A thug who assaulted a young boy causing him "sickening" injuries has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Martin Barrett, 29, was told by a judge the sentence took into account that he would find it hard to cope in prison.

The violence was uncovered after numerous bruises were found on the child's body by his father.

One was described as "severe and fist-sized". Another could be seen around his throat.

The victim also had bruising to his hip, back and shoulder, as well as cuts to his chin and lip.

The dad noticed the injuries as he was undressing the boy but was told they happened when he had a fit, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

"You struck him in the ribs and caused significant injury. There was bad bruising and a sickening injury inflicted on someone so young..." - Judge David Griffith-Jones QC

He was so concerned that he took photographs, contacted his son's school and then reported it to the police.

The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, later told officers that bruises on his chest and stomach were caused by a fist and knee.

Barrett, of Columbine Road, Strood, was convicted of two offences of child cruelty by a 10-2 majority.

He was acquitted of two further cruelty charges involving a second boy.

Prosecutor Edward Connell said in relation to the victim: "There are plainly a number of different sites of injury to the boy's body and the prosecution say they weren't injuries caused accidentally, but at the hands of this defendant."

A doctor who examined the bruising said a large one to the rib cage was not consistent with him having hurt himself while having a fit, and must have been caused by "significant trauma".

As part of the bullying, Barrett also put the child's head down a toilet and flushed it.

When arrested by police last year, Barrett, who denied all four charges, tried to blame the boy's parents.

"He said he had never hit a child in his life and that the parents must be responsible for the injuries," said Mr Connell.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC told Barrett: "You struck him in the ribs and caused significant injury. There was bad bruising and a sickening injury inflicted on someone so young.

"Your victim was a defenceless little boy. Psychological effects remain."

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