Dario Gibson, 2, was reported lost earlier this month to authorities and has since been in the custody of the Social Services department.
Apparently his mother, Eldrice Gibson, dropped him off at a family friend and failed to return to pick him up.
She had reportedly promised Kenneth Nathan that she would return with Dario’s essentials.
However after two weeks passed and the mother did not return, authorities said Nathan took matters into his own hands and filed a false police report claiming that he found the boy wandering.
Last week, Magistrate Sylvester discharged the man and ordered him to sign a bond to keep the peace and maintain good behavior.
During Gibson’s sentencing, she appeared elated as Magistrate Sylvester sentenced her to prison.
As she was led out the court handcuffed to another female, Gibson smiled to the persons who had gathered on the outside of court and responded to jeers.
One woman shouted that Gibson will serve as an example to uncaring parents, while others encouraged the mother to hurry and return to party.
While entering the prison bus which was parked adjacent to the courtroom, Gibson shouted out to some women in the crowd that she will be back on the streets within a matter of months.
“Don’t worry, I will see you all soon. They only gave me four months and I will be out in no time,” she assured.
Magistrate Sylvester told Gibson that after she had carefully reviewed her file and considered what would be best for young Dario, her sentence was intended to reflect the harm she could have caused to her son for abandoning him.
As for the toddler, officials at the Department of Social Services have made an application to the court to keep him until a fit and proper family member can arrange living conditions for him.
Magistrate Sylvester told the young mother that her son will remain in protective custody for the next six months before family members can apply for custody.
She said interested family members can apply through the department in January.
Before being selected to take care of the boy, an investigation into the history of the family will be completed by the department to ensure that the living conditions are suitable for young Dario, the Magistrate said.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
