By Rasbert Turner, STAR Writer

Spanish Town, St. Catherine

A mother who allegedly burnt her son because he took $100 from their home was remanded in custody when she appeared before the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

Charmaine Henry, a vendor of a Spanish Town address, was remanded into custody after appearing before RM Lorna Errar Gayle to answer to charges of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

The court learnt that on Friday, April 13, about 7:30 a.m., her nine-year-old son was at home when he spoke to another relative and was told that money was sent for him. The child became curious and started looking for the money in the house when he found $100 and took it.

Henry a vendor, reportedly came home and accused the child of stealing the money. The child was allegedly held by an older sibling after being given a sound beating by the mother who then reportedly took a pot of hot water off the fire and threw it on the nine-year-old, severely burning him in the face, neck and upper body.

Following an investigation by Constable Kimesha Smith, Henry was taken into custody. When the case came up for mention, the RM was aghast at the horrifying details given to the Court. She said she could not imagine a mother doing that to her child, especially over $100. As a result, the mother was remanded until May 22.

Meanwhile, the court is still wondering what has happened to the nine-year-old. However, when enquiries were made, no proper answer could be given as to the whereabouts of the child.

The police promised, however, to conduct a detailed investigation to bring the child to court on the next court date.