King George man faces up to five years in prison for urinating on his toddler

Date published: 3/3/2006

By BILL FREEHLING

A King George County man who urinated on his toddler daughter pleaded guilty to one count of child cruelty yesterday, a prosecutor said.

Joseph Roy Blackistone, 39, urinated on his 15-month-old daughter while she was in her crib at their home in October 2005, said King George Commonwealth's Attorney Matt Britton.

A sentencing hearing was scheduled for May 18 in King George Circuit Court, Britton said. Blackistone faces up to five years in prison for the felony conviction.

The incident occurred on a night when Blackistone returned home late after drinking, Britton said. He argued with his girlfriend, who is the child's mother.

Hours later, Britton said, the woman woke up and heard a sound like water running. Britton said that Blackistone was naked and was urinating on their daughter in her crib.

The woman called 911. King George sheriff's Deputy Tim Lyons arrived to find the girl's clothes and her crib soaked with urine, Britton said.

A jury trial had been scheduled for Blackistone yesterday morning, but the defendant pleaded guilty. His bond was then revoked and he was sent to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, Britton said.

The girl's mother has since moved out of Virginia with her daughter, Britton said. Blackistone is to have no contact with either the woman or the girl.

To reach BILL FREEHLING: 540/374-5424
Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 3/3/2006