A man who 'slapped' and 'bit' his lover's baby has been sentenced to eighteen months in prison.
Throughout his trial the 33-year-old defendant claimed that the 13-month-old child had slipped in the bath, however was on March 20 found guilty by the jury at Bristol Crown Court of causing cruelty to a child aged under 16.
The court had heard evidence from a number of expert witnesses who determined that the injuries had been 'inflicted', and the tot was found to be so badly injured upon arrival at nursery that they were taken to hospital immediately.
The child sustained Man left baby looking like it went '10 rounds with Mike Tyson', including what was identified to be a bite mark to the cheek.
Man left baby looking like it went '10 rounds with Mike Tyson'
The man - who Bristol Live is not naming in order to protect the identity of the child - appeared visibly distressed in the dock throughout the sentencing hearing, however continued to maintain his innocence despite the conviction earlier this week.
The recorder Mr Paul Dunkels QC yesterday (March 22) sentenced the man to eighteen months in prison - of which he will serve half - and ordered him to pay a victim surcharge.
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As he was taken down, friends and members of the man's family shouted "hold your head high" and "the truth will come out".
The child's mum, who was said to be 'besotted' by the man during their time together, had left her former partner in the sole care of her baby, who was just 13 months old at the time.
The child had allegedly vomited during the evening, meaning the man had to change the tot's clothes and bedding.
By the time she had been returned to her bed, she had sustained a significant number of injuries which, thankfully, did not leave any lasting impact.
Mitigating, Simon Cooper told the court that social services were no longer involved in the man's relationship with his own child, who he visits at least once a week in the company of at least one other family member.
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He said: "He has worked extremely hard to gain the trust of social services and to develop as a parent."
Mr Cooper also described how the man had been left "too depressed" to find a job due to the ongoing proceedings, however was now willing to undertake "any employment he is offered."
Passing his sentence, Mr Dunkels QC reiterated the seriousness of the offence committed, although also referenced the impact a prison sentence would have on his relationship with his son.
He said: "I am sure that the injuries were caused by your rough handling, which probably came as a result of your frustration.
"I am aware of the way in which that those who have committed these types of offences are treated by other inmates, and it is likely prison will not be an 'easy ride'.
"The seriousness of your conviction however means that I cannot suspend your sentence. You will serve an immediate custodial sentence."
