Glowing red lights in the head of a simulation dummy mark the regions of the brain that are damaged by shaking in a real baby Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Franziska Kraufman
By Karin Hendrich
He lost control for just a moment when he grabbed his screaming daughter (3 months) and shook him violently. The consequences: A so-called “shaking trauma” with retinal hemorrhages in both eyes and subdural hemorrhages.
In the trial before the district court, Jonas M.* (29, Hartz IV) deeply regretted his lack of control.
It was the morning of September 24, 2021. His partner at the time was cleaning up in the basement with a friend. When little Jette* woke up and screamed. He rocked her in his arms. She kept screaming. He fed her. She kept screaming. He got a new diaper. She kept screaming. Then he lost his nerve… “The child suddenly went limp,” said the lawyer for his deeply shaken client sitting next to him.
In desperation, the accused ran to the neighbor who had multiple mothers. She immediately did the right thing and called an RTW. The report by the Charité speaks of a “life-threatening treatment”, but fortunately “until now there has been no visible damage”. However, late effects cannot yet be ruled out.
The child’s mother Jana L.* (20, trainee): “He always treated his daughter so lovingly. Also took care of her at night so I could sleep.”
Until this morning when he failed for a moment. Since then, Jonas M. has had an official ban on contact with the little one. “I would appreciate it if it were lifted.” Until then, she will send the accused photos and videos of Jette. who is doing well. “She has learned to walk, already speaks words. Likes to sing …” Nevertheless, she still has to take her to the health service once a week for a check-up.
Judgment for the previously unpunished accused: Because of dangerous bodily harm, one year’s imprisonment on probation.
*Names changed