Australians have been left outraged, after a Gold Coast man, who watched his stepson die without seeking medical treatment, was allowed to walk free.
Four-year-old Tyrell Cobb died on the Gold Coast in May 2009, after suffering stomach injuries and internal bleeding that had been caused by blunt-force trauma. His body was covered in 53 bruises and 17 abrasions.
Matthew Scown was convicted of manslaughter, after not providing him the medical attention he needed, and on Wednesday, he was sentenced to four years' jail for his crime.
However, he's already been in prison for three years for the offence and Justice Martin Burns decided to suspend the rest of his sentence. The decision was made after Scown co-operated with the investigation into Tyrell's death.
Upon walking out of Brisbane Supreme Court, the 34-year-old could be seen smiling widely and even giggling, while fielding questions about the child he watched die.
Members of the public and child protection agencies have protested at how lightly he got off, and at how jovially he celebrated his freedom, given the severity of his crimes.
Newshub.
