A man accused of burning a 10-month-old baby has told police that the infant vomited, so he put him in the base of the shower and turned on the taps while he went outside to have a cigarette.
News Ltd reports that the man, who cannot be named under NSW laws that protect the identity of people accused of crimes against children, came back to find the boy’s skin peeling.
“The 23-year-old faced Penrith Local Court this morning, and appeared dishevelled but emotionless in the dock,” the report says.
The court also heard the man told police; “I f***ed up” and pleaded for police not to tell the baby’s mother for fear he would lose contact with his “kid”.
News Ltd says the man recently resumed custody of his three-year-old son after the child was taken into care.
The whereabouts of that little boy is not known.
Magistrate Gary Wilson said the baby’s injuries were “horrific”.
“When arrested by police the man’s only concern was for himself and whether he would receive a custodial sentence and whether he would be given bail,” the report says.
“A lengthy custodial sentence is more than likely in this case.”
