Soldier admits he would have
killed kids if cops didn't step in
By THE CANADIAN PRESS
Thu, June 19, 2008
WINNIPEG -- A Winnipeg-based soldier admits he repeatedly assaulted his six-month-old triplet sons and says he likely would have killed them if not for police intervention.
The 25-year-old father, who can't be named because of a publication ban, has pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm.
"These three babies are screaming at me 24/7. I'm frustrated all the time. I know I'm hurting them ... but they all set me off sometimes," the soldier told police in a lengthy videotaped statement following his arrest.
The tiny victims were suffering from a total of 19 broken bones when they were taken to hospital last September. They have since recovered.
Crown attorney Jennifer Mann told court yesterday during sentencing arguments the man's inability to connect with his children was painfully obvious.
He admitted to having a "horrible" temper and said the babies' constant crying caused him to lash out.
"It doesn't take much," he said, adding he was thankful police arrested him when they did because he "might have killed them."
"I would squeeze them because it didn't leave a mark. That was my biggest concern," he said.
The Crown wants him to serve another 18 months in jail, in addition to nine months he's already spent behind bars since his arrest. He is seeking to be released immediately.
The two-day sentencing hearing concludes Monday.