Juan Arreola Admits Beating Child Because “He Was not a Morning Person”

We have heard every excuse in the world when it has come to adults abusing children. We have also heard numerous excuses from judges when it comes time to sentencing criminals who abuse children like they are “too short” to withstand prison. Now comes the ultimate insult … the justification to abusing a child was that they were not a morning person. What excuse is next, allergies to children?

A man who admitted he beat his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son offered an excuse that angered a judge: He said he’s not a morning person.

Juan Arreola, 20, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment and simple assault. Prosecutors said while moving into a new apartment with his girlfriend on June 7, Arreola kicked her son out of the way, then squeezed the toddler’s face.

While looking after the boy three days later, he punched the boy twice, prosecutors said. Arreola’s girlfriend brought the child to a hospital later that day, where he was diagnosed with bleeding around the brain. Photos show the boy with severe bruising on his face and back.