Man Jailed For Two Years Over GF’s Infant Daughter’s Death

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A man who admitted criminal negligence in the death of girlfriend’s infant daughter has been jailed for two years after an appeal court ruled a judge lacked the authority to impose a suspended sentence.

Kirkwood Thompson pleaded guilty to manslaughter by negligence in the death of three-month-old Tenisha Milfort.

On January 16, 2023, the baby was left in the care of Thompson, who was supposed to drop off his girlfriend’s older daughter to school and the infant to day care. Later that day, Tenisha was pronounced dead on arrival at Accident and Emergency.

An autopsy revealed that she sustained blunt force trauma to the head, broken ribs and internal bleeding.

According to Thompson, the injuries were caused by an traffic accident.

Based on the pathologist findings, the prosecution said it intended to upgrade the charge to manslaughter.

Thompson pleaded guilty to the lesser charge and the deceased’s father asked for the maximum sentence of five years.

By contrast, the child’s mother, who remained in relationship with Thompson and was pregnant with his child, asked for leniency.

Justice Jeanine Weech-Gomez gave Thompson a two-year suspended sentence, three years probation and ordered him to attend parenting classes.

The court of appeal overturned the order suspending the sentence as there is no provision in the penal code to do so.