Parents to plead guilty after baby’s toes eaten

updated 1:26 a.m. ET Dec. 23, 2006

BENTON, La. - A couple jailed after four of their infant daughter’s toes were gnawed off by a family pet will plead guilty to improper child supervision, the couple’s attorney said Friday.

Mary and Christopher Hansche, who were charged with child desertion and criminal negligence, will plead guilty to the lesser misdemeanor charge of improper supervision of their child, said attorney, Pam Smart. In addition, they will perform community service, attend parenting classes and give up their pets — a Pit Bull puppy and a ferret.

The couple’s month-old girl was injured Dec. 10 as they slept. The couple woke up when they heard the infant crying.

The husband had blamed the dog but the wife blamed the ferret.

They could face up to six months in prison, each, Smart said. They sill remain in jail pending a Jan. 3 hearing. In addition to determining how much, if any, jail time the couple will do, the judge will also determine custody for the baby.

Bossier Parish District Attorney Schuyler Marvin said he believes there were enough mitigating circumstances in the case to offer a plea agreement.

The baby was released from the hospital this week; she and her 2-year-old brother are now in the care of a grandparent.

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