Senior Multimedia Reporter
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
Investigations into the beating of a one-year-old baby are nearing completion, with police expected to lay charges this weekend.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Mystar told Guardian Media yesterday that the baby is now in stable condition at the San Fernando General Hospital. The file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions today, after which charges will be issued.
The baby’s grandfather, who has suffered a stroke, has expressed interest in caring for her. The Child Protection Unit and the Children’s Authority will decide on custody after her release from the hospital.
The baby was found by police on September 26, struggling to breathe in a house in Claxton Bay. The grandfather revealed she had previously fallen in July and was hospitalised. After being discharged, the Children’s Authority and the CPU placed her in the care of an aunt. The baby’s mother is 19 years old.
Three people are currently in custody. The grandfather said his daughter got pregnant at 17 and despite reporting statutory rape, no action was taken by the police. He noted that after the child was born, the father disowned her.
In August, the baby fell and injured her leg, after which social workers allowed a relative to take custody. She was moved to the Marabella Trainline, where reports of abuse emerged. On September 26, the baby was brought back to Claxton Bay badly injured.
The grandfather said the baby had a broken rib, bruises, and a burn mark on her leg from an iron. He reported the abuse to the police but no action was taken until villagers alerted authorities. The baby was then removed from the house.