Two convicted in child neglect case
A man was jailed for six months today for causing slight injuries to three children aged under seven, while their mother was given a six month jail sentence suspended for three years for neglecting her children. She was also placed under a supervision order.
The man was convicted of having injured a boy aged just 15 months, another boy aged two years and four months, and a five-year-old girl. The case happened in 2002.
Both admitted the charges.
A doctor who had served at a health centre in evidence before the court said he had found all three children to be extremely dirty. Furthermore, the baby has marks which indicated that he had been hit with a belt or a ruler.
The older boy had two marks which appeared to have been caused by cigarette burns, as well as bruises and scratches which were not self-inflicted.
The girl also had marks on her hands and feet and she had described to him how she was beaten by the man ‘for no reason’.
The doctor said that in his opinion, this was a clear cut case of child abuse.
A doctor who at the time served at St Luke’s Hospital, said the children had been brought to hospital by their grandmother. She said the older boy was aggressive towards her, which was indicative that something was not normal in his life.
She confirmed that all children were very dirty and the older boy had bruises all over his body caused by a flat object. There was no sign of malnutrition.
In considering sentence, the court observed that the man had previous convictions related to drugs and theft and had been given suspended sentences.
It also observed that the woman had been found guilty of loitering for purposes of prostitution.
Names have not been pubished to protect the identity of the children.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
16 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Dr Emmy BEZZINA,LL.D.,B.A.,S.Th.,
Feb 18th 2009, 23:24
Now...if I garner my professional experience [ 32 years ] and translate these realistic events into a play,shall I have a Censors` Board banning my play for writing about the realities of Life?
Similarly with STITCHED, I am familiar with the play`s script - it is a ``soft`` script considering what we hear and listen to in Separation and Annullment Cases before our own Civil Courts:this Country has a history where the powers that be,particularly on the political and religious levels,kept hoarding off the realities that prevail in our country.We have never been realists because it did not suit the vested interests of the powers-that-be involved...once realities commenced coming out fast,these same powers that be reacted by blaming all but themselves.
We need to bring forth what comes into our lives behind the closed doors so that we realise that as a country Malta is NOT what our Constitution purports it to be...the Case reported is most certainly not isolated and the Media do well to report such cases not for sheer sensationalism but to serve as an eyeopener:so are our half-a-dozen unrealistic Censors [ yak!!!]going now to ban these reports or there is more.!
Carmelo Aquilina
Feb 18th 2009, 22:46
The term "slight injuries" does not apply if the aggressor is adult and the children being bruised and beaten and burnt with cigarettes are aged between 15 months and 5 years. This is not neglect but serious physical abuse. Where are the children ? Are they safe or with their mother. Will they be stuck in a children's home because mum does not want to give them up for adoption.
Andrew J Said
Feb 18th 2009, 21:49
In my opinion 6 months is too little for ruining the rest of the life of these children. Also, 7 years to be tried is ridiculous. We need stricter punishments.
Michael Neville
Feb 18th 2009, 21:21
Why did this case taken so long? is it not in the children interest to have protection? why are these people off the hook ,do we want another Twanny Aquilina.
c.t. busuttil
Feb 18th 2009, 19:11
Thank God the Doctor was sharp enough to notice after only one visit to hospital. She deserves to be commended. Was not the five-year-old girl attending any kindergarten yet? If so, did her bruises go unnoticed? These questions need to be investigated. Vigilance is called for. Complacency is unacceptable.
g zammit
Feb 18th 2009, 18:38
My heart goes out to these kids, I couldn't help crying when I heard the news on tv. I hope and pray that they have in the meantime found love in another family cause where they come from is certainly not a family.
Julie Peace
Feb 18th 2009, 14:18
I was very sad to read this as I was always very proud that child cruelty cases were very rare in Malta. I am from the UK and child cruelty, physical and emotional abuse sometimes resulting in death seems to be commonplace now. I agree people like this should be banned from ever having kids again.
Dean Adam Mifsud
Feb 18th 2009, 14:09
I hope these people who have mistreated their children will be given prison sentences that
are detrimental to show people what happens when parents neglect their children.I hope these children will get over their traumatic experiences at the hands of their parents and live
a better life as should be.
J.Borg
Feb 18th 2009, 14:07
about time the case was decided.....act happened in 2002.......case decided 7 years after!!!!!
T.Sammut
Feb 18th 2009, 13:50
Why just six months? These poor children have been scarred for life!
J Galea
Feb 18th 2009, 13:43
So from 2002 till now, where have the children been staying?
6 months is a slap on the wrist..
R Axisa
Feb 18th 2009, 13:35
These kids need lots of love in a happy family environment to make up for such a bad experience.
nicolette scicluna
Feb 18th 2009, 13:27
Thank God for the people who brought to light this tragic life for these kids...i hope they find a better life with people who can care for them with all the love and patience they will need.
Therese Zerafa
Feb 18th 2009, 13:04
Cruelity to children is inhuman and an act against nature. Lock the abusers up and throw away the key.
Marianne Mercieca
Feb 18th 2009, 12:58
My heart goes out to these children especially when I think of loving couples who would do anything to have a child to love and nurture. May God help these kids forget what they have been through.
D Fenech
Feb 18th 2009, 12:52
HOW SAD!