Chapter 20 - Sentencing
Diane’s age:
Sixty-three.
No prior criminal record.
No severe physical injury.
But repeated conduct.
Concealment.
Abuse of caregiver trust.
Failure to accept responsibility.
Sentencing report emphasized:
Chain use.
Locked-room confinement.
Food humiliation.
Pattern over weeks.
Judge imposed:
Twenty-four months sentence.
Eighteen suspended.
Six months county custody.
Two years supervised probation after release.
No contact with Noah during probation unless a court later modifies based on professional recommendation and both parents’ rights.
Mandatory behavioral intervention.
No unsupervised caregiving of minors during probation.
Restitution:
Documented medical and therapy expenses not otherwise reimbursed:
$9,400 initially, subject to later verified additions under statute.
No lifetime ban from all children by judicial invention.
No decade in prison.
Then Diane spoke.
“I love my grandson.”
The judge answered:
“Love does not transform restraint into care.”
Then:
“I was trying to help.”
The judge:
“Intent is relevant. Conduct remains conduct.”
Six months.
She served according to ordinary jail credit rules.
May you like
Daniel did not visit.
That was his choice.
