May 12--A Woodstock man awaiting trial on charges that he caused serious injury to his infant son has been jailed after authorities said he violated an agreement not to have contact with the boy.
Cody Pennington, 21, was ordered Thursday to serve the next two weekends in McHenry County Jail as sanctions for the violation.
After his then-4-month-old son was diagnosed with a skull fracture and brain hemorrhaging in April 2015, Pennington was charged with aggravated battery to a child causing permanent injury and great bodily harm, according to court records.
As part of his pretrial supervision and the terms of his bond, Pennington was banned from seeing his son.
"All I can say is, I know it was something I should not have done," Pennington told Judge Sharon Prather. "All I can say is, I love my son."
Prather warned Pennington about further violations.
"All you are doing is hurting yourself and hurting your case. It's like you are thumbing your nose at this court. It's stupid," Prather said before handing down his punishment. "I'm warning you, Mr. Pennington, you better not violate any rules."
According to police, Pennington called 911 in April 2015 to say the boy was crying uncontrollably and appeared to be in distress.
The child was treated first at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock then transported to Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge, where authorities told police and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services that the boy's injuries were consistent with those caused by violent shaking, police said.
Pennington and the baby's mother were interviewed at the hospital by Woodstock detectives. Pennington was arrested the following day.
Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.
