MAASTRICHT - It may well be common knowledge that shaking a baby is life-threatening for such a small child.The court in Maastricht yesterday sentenced a father from Landgraaf to prison for attempted manslaughter of his infant daughter. The 22-year-old father received 26 months, 18 of which were suspended with the special condition that he receives outpatient treatment.
According to behavioral experts, the man suffers from mild personality disorder and can react aggressively to stresses. His then two-month-old child was hospitalized on the night of Dec. 3 to 4, where doctors found that she was exhibiting symptoms of shaken baby syndrome. The father also eventually admitted to shaking her.
Prosecutor WIm Smits said two weeks ago that it is a "fact of common knowledge" that shaking a baby is life-threatening. That bested counsel Serge Weening of the father: many people do not know that, including his client. However, the court agrees with the officer. The father also knew, the court argues, that a baby is vulnerable and that its head must always be supported. He also realized that his uncontrolled actions were wrong, according to the court, according to his statement at the hearing.
