A MAN who pleaded guilty to neglecting a child in his care and grievous bodily harm by a negligent act has been placed on an 18-month intensive corrections order.
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Richard Robert Moppett, 31 of Yetholme, was sentenced before magistrate Cate Follent earlier this month. A third charge of recklessly causing grievous bodily harm was withdrawn.
Moppett was charged after a child in his care suffered burns in the shower.
His solicitor, Shane Cunningham, outlined the circumstances behind the offence, saying Moppett has no children of his own and was called on to care for children in the absence of their mother.
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Mr Cunningham said that at the time Moppett was distracted by the fact the kitchen sink was left on and his attention was diverted from the shower.
At that point the child, who had not been in the shower, got under the water.
Mr Cunningham said his client administered some first aid but accepts that in hindsight more intensive first aid should have been sought.
"Mr Moppett did not have the opportunity to appreciate the full extent of the injury. He administered first aid, comforted the child who settled and fell asleep," Mr Cunningham said.
Mr Cunningham said when the mother returned home there was an argument and Mr Moppett left the property. He didn't see the child after the initial first aid and it was only much later that the significance of the injuries became apparent.
Mr Cunningham told the court his client had already spent two months and four days in custody and said the young child had made a remarkable recovery.
In sentencing, Ms Follent noted Moppett's early plea of guilt which indicated his preparedness to take responsibility for his actions. She noted there was low risk of him re-offending.
However, Ms Follent said the child had been significantly harmed and imprisonment was the appropriate punishment. She noted time already spent in custody with the balance to be served by way of an ICO.
He must also serve 250 hours of community service.
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