Man who killed son gets 5 years

A Lloydminster, Sask., man who punched his infant son, outraged that the child had pooped on him, has been sentenced to five and a half years after pleading guilty to manslaughter.

Sentencing of James Larose, 25, took place Tuesday in Battleford, Sask.

Larose was originally charged with second-degree murder and entered a guilty plea to manslaughter last November.

At Tuesday's sentencing, court heard details about how the child died.

On March 19, 2009, Larose was at home with his six-month-old son, Camden Bounting. The child's mother, Amy Bounting was not at home at the time.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Larose had been drinking heavily and was trying to change his son's diaper when the little boy pooped again.

That sent Larose into a rage and, according to his own recollection, he punched the child five times in the stomach.

Medical experts said the blows ruptured the child's small intestine.

According to the Crown prosecutor, the injury could have been treated but Larose did not get medical advice or check on the condition of the child.

The next morning the child was found dead in his crib. Larose was arrested and charged five days later.

During sentencing, Justice Frank Gerein called the crime "evil in its very essence".

The judge said he considered Larose a low risk to reoffend but wanted to send a clear message that violence against children is unacceptable.

In a victim impact statement the boy's mother said the death of her only child was devastating and she can no longer trust people.

The Crown prosecutor on the case asked for a sentence of eight to 10 years.

The defence pointed out that Larose had apologized.

After sentencing Larose was taken by police to begin serving his time.

Lloydminster is a community on Saskatchewan's boundary with Alberta. It is about 275 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon.