Accused beat baby in frustration

A COCORITE man, who pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of his 23-month-old stepson, was yesterday sentenced to ten years imprisonment by a Port-of-Spain judge.

Carlos Francis Walker Joseph, 42, of Waterhole in Cocorite was charged with murdering Isaac Joseph, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on April 28. The plea was accepted by the State.

The baby died at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital on June 8, 2003, after being cuffed three times in the chest and beaten with a belt the previous day.

A post-mortem report revealed he died of inflammation of the inner lining of the abdomen, secondary to ruptured stomach consistent with blunt trauma.

In a cautionary statement, Joseph admitted to beating the child out of frustration.

Prior to sentencing Joseph at the Port-of-Spain Third Criminal Court yesterday, Justice Joan Charles said as a result of the prevailing climate regarding the abuse of children in this country, the court had a responsibility to deter potential offenders by its sentences.

Joseph lived with baby Isaac’s mother Nadine Joseph, whom he often accused of being unfaithful.

On the day in question, he and the baby went to visit his father in Bagatelle, while Nadine went to visit relatives in St Joseph.

The two had agreed to return home at 4 pm that day.

When Joseph got home at at about 5 pm, Nadine was not yet there. Isaac began to cry and after unsuccessfully trying to comfort the child, Joseph cuffed and beat him.

He then left Isaac alone at home and went in search of Nadine.

When she returned home at about 7 pm, she found her son alone and frothing at the mouth with his eyes rolled back.

She made a report at the St James Police Station and took the baby to the hospital, where he subsequently died.

Joseph, who had four previous convictions for robbery, possession of arms and ammunition and malicious damage, was charged by Cpl Andrew Charles of the St James Police Station.

He was represented by attorneys Desmond Allum and John Heath, while State attorney Jerron Joseph prosecuted.