2LT Local News

PENRITH, NSW – A 24-year old man who caused serious burns to a ten months old baby boy, and then struck the boy because he was screaming, has been convicted of reckless grievous bodily harm and assault.

The Penrith Local Court was told on Tuesday that the man, Atare Tepania, left the baby in a hot bath with hot water running while he went outside for a cigarette and to check his phone. When he returned he found the boy’s skin was peeling off and he was screaming. Tepania said he picked the baby up by one arm and dropped him on the floor. He then put him on a bed and poured cold water over him. He then tried to give him a bottle, but when the baby rejected it he vigorously forced the bottle into his mouth causing further injury and making the boy’s mouth bleed. When the baby continued to scream, the man then began to strike him again, causing injuries to his head and face. Police were called and they told the court they saw parts of the boy’s skin on the floor and blood stains on the bathroom and bedroom floors. The 10-month old boy was admitted to hospital with second degree burns to 40% of his body, serious head and face injuries and a fractured elbow. A doctor gave evidence that the boy could have died from his injuries.

Tepania, who entered a plea of guilty when he appeared in the Penrith court this week, will be sentenced on October 6.