October 23, 2011
BEREA — A Berea College student who was serving a diverted sentence for seriously injuring his 6-week-old daughter in February is now behind bars for violating the terms of his diversion.
Through mediation, Brian Farris, 19, was given a one-year diverted sentence for causing his baby to suffer a brain hemorrhage, lacerations to her liver, rib and wrist fractures and internal bleeding. Doctors at the University of Kentucky Medical Center also found evidence the baby had suffered from seizures.
Farris had been charged with first-degree criminal abuse, a Class C felony punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.
As part of the diversion, Farris had to participate in a parenting class and be on probation for five years. If he had completed the terms of the probation, the charge would have been removed from his record.
According to testimony in Madison Circuit Court, a probation officer recently visited Farris’ home and found alcohol and marijuana inside. He was arrested and lodged in the Madison County Detention Center.
Farris was in court Thursday for a probation revocation hearing and told Judge Jean Logue that he does not have an issue with drugs and alcohol.
“I was harboring liquor for my best friend,” Farris said. “He didn’t want to take it on campus (of Berea College).”
Farris said his friend had been with him through his legal problems, and he was trying to repay him by keeping his stash.
“I thought it was a small favor that he asked me to do,” he said.
Assistant Common-wealth’s Attorney Jennifer Smith said Farris had been given a one-year sentence, a “tremendous break,” she called it, and he should have to serve it if he cannot adhere to the rules of probation.
Defense attorney Brian Barker said Farris had been confused about the terms of probation, but since his arrest, he understands what is required.
Smith said Farris had been “arrogant” and “indifferent” throughout the case, which she said shows he thinks “the rules do not apply to him.”
“He doesn’t get it, and he’s not going to because he thinks he’s more special than everyone else,” Smith said.
Logue revoked Farris’ probation, saying he was given an “unbelievably light sentence,” which he now must serve.
When arrested, police said Farris admitted he had “been rough” with the baby while playing, including bouncing the child on a bed and throwing her into the air.
Doctors said the injuries were indicative of shaken baby syndrome, according to police.
Farris’ wife told Berea police that on the day of incident, Feb. 16, she had handed the baby to Farris to burp, and he took the child upstairs for about 15 minutes. When he returned, the mother noticed the baby was having difficulty breathing, according to Berea Police Detective Lee Ann Boyle.
The father told Boyle he was working on homework and had the baby in his lap and was attempting to burp her by patting her on the stomach.
Lorie Love Hailey can be reached at llove@richmondregister.com.
Through mediation, Brian Farris, 19, was given a one-year diverted sentence for causing his baby to suffer a brain hemorrhage, lacerations to her liver, rib and wrist fractures and internal bleeding. Doctors at the University of Kentucky Medical Center also found evidence the baby had suffered from seizures.
Farris had been charged with first-degree criminal abuse, a Class C felony punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.
As part of the diversion, Farris had to participate in a parenting class and be on probation for five years. If he had completed the terms of the probation, the charge would have been removed from his record.
According to testimony in Madison Circuit Court, a probation officer recently visited Farris’ home and found alcohol and marijuana inside. He was arrested and lodged in the Madison County Detention Center.
Farris was in court Thursday for a probation revocation hearing and told Judge Jean Logue that he does not have an issue with drugs and alcohol.
“I was harboring liquor for my best friend,” Farris said. “He didn’t want to take it on campus (of Berea College).”
Farris said his friend had been with him through his legal problems, and he was trying to repay him by keeping his stash.
“I thought it was a small favor that he asked me to do,” he said.
Assistant Common-wealth’s Attorney Jennifer Smith said Farris had been given a one-year sentence, a “tremendous break,” she called it, and he should have to serve it if he cannot adhere to the rules of probation.
Defense attorney Brian Barker said Farris had been confused about the terms of probation, but since his arrest, he understands what is required.
Smith said Farris had been “arrogant” and “indifferent” throughout the case, which she said shows he thinks “the rules do not apply to him.”
“He doesn’t get it, and he’s not going to because he thinks he’s more special than everyone else,” Smith said.
Logue revoked Farris’ probation, saying he was given an “unbelievably light sentence,” which he now must serve.
When arrested, police said Farris admitted he had “been rough” with the baby while playing, including bouncing the child on a bed and throwing her into the air.
Doctors said the injuries were indicative of shaken baby syndrome, according to police.
Farris’ wife told Berea police that on the day of incident, Feb. 16, she had handed the baby to Farris to burp, and he took the child upstairs for about 15 minutes. When he returned, the mother noticed the baby was having difficulty breathing, according to Berea Police Detective Lee Ann Boyle.
The father told Boyle he was working on homework and had the baby in his lap and was attempting to burp her by patting her on the stomach.
Lorie Love Hailey can be reached at llove@richmondregister.com.
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