Llanelli man, 20, in court after admitting child cruelty

A 20-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court after he left a baby with a black eye.

Daniel Griffiths, of Y Fron, Felinfoel, Llanelli, admitted causing child cruelty to the baby while he babysat.

The baby's mother returned home from a night out and saw marks on the baby's face and round its eyes.

Hours later it became clear the marks were caused by fingerprints.

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The prosecution accepted a basis of plea by Griffiths where he said the baby was crying and he grabbed it in frustration.

Frank Phillips, representing Griffiths, said his client had felt remorseful after the incident and had attempted to take his own life, meaning he was taken to hospital with the child after the attack.

He said his client had accepted the offence in interview.

Swansea Crown Court heard Griffiths had previously received a police caution for battery against his mother.

Mr Phillips said: "He's a pleasant young man who's pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

"These are difficult offences for a defendant to come to terms with," added Mr Phillips.

"This wasn't a sustained attack. It was a momentary loss of temper," he said.

"The baby was crying and screaming and it was at that stage problems occurred. He's an immature young man," he added.

Judge Peter Heywood said: "We all find it difficult and we all know how difficult children can be, but I have to bear in mind the extreme vulnerability of that child and a child of any age can expect to be cared for.

"A child needs to protected and a momentary lapse of temper is an excuse but it is not excusable," the judge added.

"The child is totally exposed and totally dependant on the adult."

The judge said he was prepared to impose a suspended sentence because Griffiths had shown genuine remorse for the crime.

He was sentenced to 26 weeks, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 12 months' supervision and pay £200 in costs.