Bar Nunn Man Gets Probation for Breaking Infant’s Leg, Ribs
A Bar Nunn man was sentenced to probation Thursday for events that left a baby with broken bones late last year.
Christopher Denman pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of child endangerment in June as part of a plea agreement. On Thursday, District Court Judge Daniel Forgey handed Denman a 4 to 5 year suspended prison sentence. Denman will instead serve three years of supervised probation.
The victim was "just shy" of 3-months-old at the time, court documents say.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, the Natrona County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case in November after medical professionals reported potential child abuse.
In addition to a broken femur, the child suffered multiple rib fractures and was malnourished, according to the affidavit.
A Natrona County Sheriff's Office investigator noted in the affidavit that a doctor said the child's injuries were "beyond a shadow of a doubt" not an accident. It's also noted in the affidavit that the infant's injuries were consistent with having been in a car crash.
But Denman told investigators that the child's ribs were broken when he was holding the infant. According to the affidavit, Denman said he was upset because the child wouldn't stop crying and squeed the infant "out of love," but squeezed too hard.
Denman reportedly told investigators that his movement of the child was "fast" and "reckless" when the infant's leg caught on his shirt.
Defense attorney Richard Jamieson called the circumstances of the case unique.
"Take a step back," Jamieson said during Thursday's hearing. "No one feels worse (than Denman.)"
Jamieson noted Denman has signed up for anger management classes and taken "full responsibility" for his actions.