Last week, we told you about 21 year-old Carldeen Lawrence who was convicted of grievous harm for an injury which he inflicted on his 2 year-old stepdaughter.
Our information from the case at court was that he allegedly beat the girl on the right leg and caused a fracture, but he came by our studios yesterday to say that's not quite how it happened.
He kept silent throughout the trial, but he told us that he willing to speak up so that there is no misconception about what really happened.
He said that he didn't lash the child; he simply fell on her in an accident while trying to avoid injuring her younger sister.
Here's how he explains it:
Carldeen Lawrence -Says He Didn't Beat the Child
"What happened was that I was coming inside, and I didn't know that the smaller daughter was behind me. She was always tagging along behind, and I didn't realize that was there. And when I shut the door, and was turning around to go back inside, I was going to accidentally fall on her. In order to avoid hitting her, I spun, and I ended up hitting the daughter which was also right behind her. I didn't know that she was there. It was quick. I was trying to move really quickly - well, my mind was moving a little quick to avoid not hitting the younger one."
Daniel Ortiz
"And that cause the other girl to get injured."
Carldeen Lawrence
"Yes, that caused her to get a fractured leg."
Daniel Ortiz
"So, why didn't you say this in court?"
Carldeen Lawrence
"Well, the information was provided in court by the mother, who already stated it. That information was already provided to the judge, so I didn't think that I needed to state again if it was already provided. In the beginning of the court case, I already said that it was an accident, and how it happened, so I didn't think that I needed to bring it up again when it was already written down and noted."
Daniel Ortiz
"What is the nature of the child's injury? Is she recovering? What's her status right now?"
Carldeen Lawrence
"Well, for a fractured leg, the child was walking in less than a week time - probably exactly in a week time. I know one of my friends who had his hand sprained, and he had it in a cast for like 3 weeks, almost to a month. So, I'm not to satisfied with that accusation that the child's leg was fractured, but if that's what the doctor said, then who am I to say that the doctor is wrong?"
Lawrence still has a fine of $800 which he must pay to the court by May 15, or he will spend 8 months in prison if he defaults.
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