AN ERITH man who seriously assaulted a toddler before claiming the injuries were self-inflicted has been jailed for eight months.

Kevin Parsons, of Peareswood Road, left a defenceless three-year-old battered and bruised while he was meant to be looking after him for the evening.

The 24-year-old told the boy’s mother he had somehow hit his head on the wall.

But following a five-day trial at Woolwich Crown Court a jury found him guilty of causing actual bodily harm on May 1.

There were gasps and tears from Parsons’ family who had packed out the public gallery as he was sentenced on Friday (June 7).

Judge Christopher Kinch QC said: “This is a serious case which the court has to treat seriously where someone with the care of a vulnerable infant and a duty to protect them causes harm.

“That infant is only three-years-old and in no position to restrain or fend for themselves.”

He added: “During the trial the jury heard evidence from an experienced paediatrician whose view was that a combination of kicking and punching or even throwing, possibly account for what happened.”

The boy’s mother returned to a house in Erith on the evening of April 8, 2011 to find her son with bruising to his face below and above his eye, and scratches across his back and face.

A paramedic friend recommended he needed further treatment and he was taken to hospital the following morning.

Discussing the character statements received from Parsons’ family, friends and employers, Judge Kinch QC said “there’s no doubt you have many positive qualities”.

However, he went on to say: “Years on you still can’t bring yourself to accept the reality of what you did.

“It appears that he has recovered physically although there some investigation into an eye problem.

“It’s also clear others close to him have suffered in the fall out around what happened.”