Michael McLean, Star Writer

Santa Cruz

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with the brutal beating of his three-year-old daughter who had to be hospitalised, THE STAR understands.

The child was brutally beaten because she reportedly failed to respond to her father's teaching, police say.

The father, a labourer from St. Elizabeth, is being held at the Santa Cruz police lock-up charged with unlawful wounding and cruelty to a minor.

Information reaching THE STAR indicate that the child and her smaller brother were at home with the accused. He was apparently teaching them something and she did not respond to his teachings.

It is reported that a piece of guava switch was used to beat the child all over her back, leaving some scars and sores. The beating also caused the right side of the childs' face to be swollen.

The child was taken to a private doctor where she was treated and released the same day. It was the child's grandmother who reported the matter to the police, THE STAR learnt.

The investigating officer in the matter woman Constable Patrice Cole told The Star that she will be seeking advise from the Centre for Sexual Offences and Child Abuse for further directions.