Who hurt the child?

An attorney is demanding accountability after a one-year-old boy in state care sustained severe injuries, described as "non-accidental" and resembling those from a mixed martial arts fight. Denise Hinson, representing the child's mother, expressed outrage over the incident at Glenhope Place of Safety, a facility managed by the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA).

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The questions still need to be answered. This should not be pushed under the rug. I’m angry, and I think that someone needs to explain why a one-year-old defenceless child, a Jamaican child, looks as if he was in an MMA (mixed martial arts) fight

The CPFSA announced it is expediting the installation of security cameras at the facility as it probes the boy's injuries. The child appeared in the St. Catherine Parish Court with significant bruising under both eyes, burn marks on his face, and swelling. A medical report presented to the court classified the injuries as "non-accidental."

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The child was taken to court with [healing] black and blue bruises under both eyes; what seemed to be burn marks to the right cheek and chin; swelling of the face, especially to the right cheek; and scratches to the nose. Both eyes were bloodshot in the corners. A medical shown to the court by the CPFSA officer who brought the baby to court, described the injuries as ‘non-accidental’

During the court appearance, the child's mother, Fabienne Cherisma, who is currently facing immigration charges, and her husband collapsed upon seeing the extent of their son's injuries. Hinson argued that the bruises were healing and could not have resulted from the explanation given – that the child hit his face on a crib. She successfully applied for the mother's bail on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing the child's need for his mother and the urgency of uncovering how and when the injuries occurred.

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screamed and began to cry uncontrollably and the father collapsed. They had to be removed and later returned to the dock

The court was reportedly disturbed by the findings and the visible injuries. The CPFSA officer present could only offer that the child had reportedly hit his face on the crib when questioned by the judge. Hinson stressed that the child's injuries were not consistent with a simple fall and that the child did not receive medical attention until just before the court date.

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informed the court that when she asked, on arriving to collect the child, she was told that he had hit his face on the crib