http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/dad-pleads-guilty-to-leaving-son-in-car
Toddler died in hot car in Freescale parking lot
Updated: Wednesday, 10 Mar 2010, 7:43 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 10 Mar 2010, 10:32 AM CST
ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) - A Round Rock man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to misdemeanor child endangerment charges in connection with the death of his young son in a parking lot last August.
"He decided to bring this case to an end because his wife is currently pregnant and he didn’t want the stress of putting her through a trial," said Kesen Hu's attorney, Alan Bennett.
Hu's son, Daniel Hu, died after he was left in a car for several hours while Hu was at work. Hu had told police he forgot to drop off his child, who was 18 months old, at day care. According to Hu, he was on the phone and didn't realize what he had done.
"We need to start recognizing how many distractions there are in our lives and how when we yield to those distractions they sometimes put children around us in danger," said Williamson Co. District Attorney John Bradley.
There was some controversy surrounding the charges brought against Hu because his negligence was an accident. But, Bradley said the Texas Legislature passed a statute several years ago that mandates holding parents accountable.
"They recognize that some conduct is so dangerous that even when its done unintentionally, that we need to hold parents responsible to protect children," said Bradley.
Part of Hu's punishment will be to create a public service announcement for parents warning them of the dangers of leaving children in cars.
He also will be required to do 60 hours of community service and will be on two years' probation.
As a part of his probation Hu is prohibited from using any electronic device, including a cell phone, while driving a vehicle.
He also is not allowed to drive a vehicle with a child in a car without another adult being present.
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