Addlestone father jailed for neglecting child after hospital visit uncovered 'multiple injuries'
The man admitted causing assault, ill-treatment, neglect, or abandonment of a child, leading to unnecessary suffering or injury
A man has been sentenced to prison for neglecting his child at a home in Addlestone.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Chichester Crown Court on 18th December and was handed a jail term of two years and five months.
He had previously pleaded guilty to one charge of causing assault, ill-treatment, neglect, or abandonment of a child, leading to unnecessary suffering or injury.
The offences took place between February 2015 and June 2021.
The police became involved in 2021 after Children's Services were alerted when a child under 10 went to hospital with multiple injuries.
Doctors noted that the child exhibited several bruises, used an unusual amount of adult language and required permission to use the toilet.
When questioned, the child's father provided multiple accounts of what had happened, none of which were deemed credible.
Following intervention, the child was taken into care while witnesses came forward detailing mistreatment.
Witnesses recalled incidents of hitting and extreme strictness imposed by the father.
One account described visiting the family's home and seeing the child standing in a corner in a stress position.
DC Rahel Daniel, from the Child Abuse Team, said:
"This man put his child through an extended period of neglect and abuse.
"Thanks to the support of several key witnesses, he has been put before the courts to face justice.
"I would like this sentence to be a reminder that what happens behind closed doors does not have to stay that way. If you are the victim of this kind of behaviour or recognise it in someone you know, please report it to us.
"You will be supported and listened to from the outset."