‘Daddy’s angry’: Dad’s violent outburst over broken vape left toddler with eye fracture

The 23-year-old’s violent outburst over a broken vape left his young daughter with a fractured eye in what was described as a “tragic” incident.

A Lismore dad has faced court after he threw a Passion Pop bottle, which hit his young daughter and caused serious injuries.

A Lismore dad has been lambasted for a fit over a broken vape which left his two-year-old daughter with a fractured eye.

The 23-year-old fronted Lismore Local Court on Wednesday charged with intimidating with intent to cause fear and/or physical or mental harm, and recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, over an incident involving his daughter that happened on October 20, 2020.

He also appeared on separate matters related to supplying 1.56g of meth and possessing 1.57g of cannabis and 2.5mg of prohibited prescription drug diazepam.

The court heard the father had lashed out when he accidentally caught an e-cigarette cord on a fridge door, causing the device to fall and smash.

Enraged, the man “started throwing shit around”, ignoring his partner’s attempts to calm him down.

Court documents reveal the man then picked up an empty Passion Pop bottle and tried to throw it at the wall.

Instead it hit the two-year-old.

The documents reveal the young victim told doctors “daddy was angry and scary” upon her emergency room visit.

Court documents said she told medical staff: “He hitted me with the glass bottle and hurt my head”.

While the DPP prosecutor acknowledged the toddler did not appear to have any long-lasting injuries apart from a left orbital roof fracture, doctors could not account for “further developmental problems” given her youth.

She noted said the circumstances were “fairly tragic”.

“The offence occurred in the victim’s home, a place in which children are entitled to feel safe and secure. Instead she was exposed to the violent acts seen here,” she said.

She added the man had previously smashed holes in the wall during previous fights with the girl’s mother.

The man’s solicitor said he was immediately “remorseful” for his actions and had taken significant steps to turn his life around, including going sober.

The court also heard when the father realised what had occurred, he broke down crying and threatened to kill himself.

Magistrate Jeff Linden noted the man’s summary report “couldn’t be better”.

“He seems contrite and ashamed of his actions,” he said.

Given that, Magistrate Linden convicted the 23-year-old to a concurrent 15 months’ community corrections order for the grievous bodily harm, supply of a prohibited drug, and intimidation with intent to cause fear.

For the remaining charges, he was convicted with no further penalty.