Wyatt v. State

Assault in the third degree; one year and $500. fine.

Appellant was indicted for beating his two-year-old stepson with a belt and belt buckle, resulting in bruises and swelling. Over appellant's objection at trial, the court admitted copies of the child's hospital records indicating the following notations by the examining physician.

"Impression: Child abuse through physical beatings. Probable neglect.. . . .

The child obviously was a victim of child abuse.

"Final Diagnosis: Child abuse Right upper lobe pneumonia Multiple ecchymosis, bruises contusions, penile edema — all secondary to child…