Man Convicted of Child Cruelty

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A man accused of abusing a 10-year-old boy has been given a chance to avoid jail time. 

Michael Thompson will not spend a day in custody, provided he pays fines, and compensation and stays out of legal trouble for the next two years.

Thompson admitted to beating his girlfriend’s son on October 10, 2022—but his reason for doing so differed from the prosecution’s accusation.

Thompson said the boy had brought a stolen handgun home.

He said he gave the gun back to its owner to prevent possible retaliation.

However, the child said he was beaten with a broomstick, wire and pipe because he did not go to the pump and fill 40 jugs of water.

Thompson will spend one year in prison if he’s convicted during his two-year-long probationary period.

He was also fined $1,500 and a failure to pay will result in nine months in custody. Thompson has to pay $1,000 in compensation to avoid a one month prison sentence.

The child now lives with his grandmother.