MEDICINE HAT — The mother of a toddler permanently injured in an assault screamed at the family of the man responsible after he was sent to prison Tuesday.
Kevin Vikedal, 26, was sentenced to 42 months after earlier pleading guilty to aggravated assault on his girlfriend’s 21-month-old daughter in November 2008.
“I hope they kill him in there (prison),” the girl’s mother yelled as Vikedal’s family entered the lobby.
Vikedal admitted he was frustrated when he pushed the toddler with such force while bathing her that her head hit the soap dish in the bathtub.
She suffered permanent injuries to her arms, legs and brain. A publication ban on her condition was lifted, so court heard she is unable to use her right arm, must wear braces on her legs and has vision problems.
“The sad reality of this is that nothing will change this tragedy,” said provincial court Judge Gordon Krinke as he imposed the sentence.
A small glimmer of hope is that the child has defied doctor’s expectations in her recovery so far, the judge said.
Vikedal was looking after the girl while his then-common-law wife was at work.