A 26-year-old Vermont woman who physically abused her 2-year-old daughter was handed a suspended sentence at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Candace John was sentenced to one month in prison, but that sentence was suspended for one year.
Senior Magistrate Colin John also ordered psychiatric counselling for the woman, and she is to report to the court every three months to determine how she is progressing. Her next Court date in this regard is on June 25.
We are unable to give the details of the sentencing as it was done in camera (in the absence of the public and media), but the publication understands that the Magistrate gave his decision after hearing the facts, as well as considering a Social Inquiry Report on the woman, and a mitigation plea from her lawyer Grant Connell.
On January 27, John pleaded guilty to, that on January 20, 2024, at Vermont, having the charge or care of a juvenile, willfully ill-treated that juvenile in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering, contrary to Section 8(1)(b) of the Juvenile Act, Chapter 231 of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009.
The charge was brought following police investigations into the circulation of a video on social media showing a child being physically abused, including attempts to suffocate the infant by someone who sounded like an adult female.
John’s sentencing was initially scheduled for March 4, pending a Social Inquiry Report, but when the matter was called on that date her lawyer, Grant Connell told the Court that based on the nature of the case and possible ramifications, he was making an application for the sentencing to be done in camera. Prosecutor Corlene Samuel agreed, and the Senior Magistrate granted Connell’s application.
When contacted, following the sentencing on Monday, Connell said, “I can’t comment. It was an in camera hearing”.
SOURCE: The Vincentian