A Renfrew man who left a five-year-old girl’s face marked and bruised has been ordered not to have any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16.
Bully Jonathan Engles laughed at the little girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, when she hurt her wrist.
Engles, 37, then “lost it” when she kicked him and slapped her face so hard he left it bruised and swollen.
At Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday, Engles, ofMulberry Square, was placed under supervision of the social work department for 12 months with a conduct requirement that prevents him being on his own with children under the age of 16.
Prosecutor Michael Cunningham previously told the court: “The child was picked up and taken to meet the accused on Friday, March 27, 2020.
“Around 9.30am on Sunday, March 29, the girl was in the accused’s bedroom and while she was in there, she hurt her wrist and began to cry.
“Engles began laughing at her and the little girl kicked the accused.
“He then slapped her face causing a mark and bruising on the right hand side of her face.
“The girl immediately began to scream and cry.
“She then went to another bedroom and told an older woman what had happened and this woman calmed the girl down.
“This woman spoke with Engles and he said he ‘just lost it’ and apologised to the girl.”
The court heard later that day the girl was taken home and her mother noticed the bruising on her face.
Mr Cunningham added: “The girl’s mother observed bruising and swelling to the girl’s face and took pictures of it.
“On Monday, March 30, she reported the injuries to the police.
“Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, officers were unable to formally caution and charge Engles but he was telephoned and advised a report would be submitted to my office.”
Defence agent Eamon McGeehan told the court Engles is a man who “has to deal with his demons”.
Mr McGeehan added: “His addictions are ongoing but he is seeking assistance in dealing with these.
“If he can address his addiction issues, his offending behaviour will diminish.”
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Sheriff Lindsay Kooner imposed a “direct alternative” to custody, stating: “This matter was an assault on a five-year-old girl.
“I’m quite sure you’ve discussed with your lawyer some of the attitudes and perceptions of what a responsible adult should do.
“She was five years old and these matters cannot be dealt with in the way that you did.”
Sheriff Kooner ordered Engles to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work in the community and placed him under supervision for 12 months.
A review hearing was assigned for March 31, 2023.
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