PITTSFIELD TWP., Mich. – A Pittsfield Township man could spend the next 10 years behind bars for beating a boy with a belt after he refused to eat a banana.
37-year-old Paul Magala pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree child abuse. A charge of third-degree child abuse was dismissed.
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The charges stem from a Nov. 5 incident in which Magala gave the boy (whose age was not released) a banana and became angry when the child would not eat it because it was too ripe. Magala went on to hit the boy with a belt at least 14 times on the legs and face.
According to a Child Protective Services law enforcement notification, there was a past history of abuse between Magala and the boy. The incident was recorded by a woman in the home. She, in turn, gave the videotape to police.
Magala will be sentenced Thursday at 1:30 p.m.