Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Father of abused 4-year-old seeks help to get child to UK

- child had allegedly suffered a broken leg after beaten by stepfather
The 4-year-old who allegedly suffered a broken leg after he was physically abused by his stepfather on Virgin Gorda earlier this month. Photo: Provided
The GoFundMe account has so far raised £385 of its £10,000 goal. Photo: GoFundMe.com
The GoFundMe account has so far raised £385 of its £10,000 goal. Photo: GoFundMe.com
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- The father of a four-year-old boy that was recently allegedly physically abused on Virgin Gorda is seeking the help of the Virgin Islands community to assist him with travelling and medical expenses that would enable him to whisk his son away to the United Kingdom to live with him.

Leon Jefferson, via a GoFundMe fundraiser created 2 days ago, is hoping to secure £10,000.

"I'm in a situation where child services are threatening to take my son from his mother in the British Virgin Islands for child neglect. My son has suffered a broken bone by his stepfather, who the mother entrusted to take care of him while she was working. The child had a surgery to get his bone repaired and now has steel plates in his leg," the public appeal for help stated on the Go Fund Me page.

Mother likely to face criminal charges

According to Jefferson, the mother of his child will also likely be criminally charged, along with the stepfather, for the offence.

"There won't be anyone left to take care of my son, so I'm in an urgent need to go and travel for him and bring him back to the UK to live with me. Where I can look after him and make sure no harm comes his way again."

Jefferson said his young son would also need physiotherapy to walk again as well as medical care.

"I am raising money to help with the cost of my plane ticket and a plane ticket for my son as well, also help with a hotel and quarantine fee. Please, I will be very grateful if you can help donate."

According to a news story on JTV News, the child abuse matter allegedly occurred on May 3, 2021 on the sister island of Virgin Gorda. 

"Initial investigations revealed that the prime suspect is the stepfather of the child who allegedly has a record of physically abusing that child. In this instance, the boy child was allegedly badly beaten by the man for allegedly messing up a room in the home while playing."

The JTV reported further said the alleged incident occurred while the mother was out and that when she returned home she found the child with a broken leg in bed. Her husband allegedly admitted to her that he beat the child.

The child was taken to Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda and then to Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital on Tortola, JTV News reported.

See link below to GoFundMe account:

Fundraiser by Leon Jefferson : Help Leon travel abroad to get his 4 year old son. (gofundme.com)

68 Responses to “Father of abused 4-year-old seeks help to get child to UK”

  • Kay (11/05/2021, 13:04) Like (26) Dislike (26) Reply
    Why are they charging her? She took her child to seek help and did not cover it up.
    • vi (11/05/2021, 15:13) Like (37) Dislike (1) Reply
      She did cover because he been doing it before case close
    • No Man (11/05/2021, 15:21) Like (40) Dislike (1) Reply
      Did you not read that there is a history of that child being abused by said man ?
      Lock her up yes, she telling the worl that she allowed this man to abuse her son just to keep him ????
      No sah, she had need to repot his behind the first time he hit her son, children cannot fen for themselves, we who bring them into this world have to fend for them, point blank.
      • Advocate (12/05/2021, 10:28) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Good point and Mark you, this history or allegations have never been reported to any agency, so it could not be investigated.
    • Sham of a Social Development Department (11/05/2021, 16:17) Like (18) Dislike (6) Reply
      That whole department needs investigating and overhauling.

      They would endanger a child’s life by placing them in unhealthy environments with unfit parents yet turn around and threaten to take a child away from a parent who immediately sought help.

      Set of poppyshow!
    • josiah'sbay (11/05/2021, 16:28) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      They said "The stepfather of the child who allegedly has a record of physically abusing that child" which implies that she had previous knowledge or an inkling of the abuse. That's why she could be charged.
  • PSA (11/05/2021, 13:10) Like (66) Dislike (0) Reply
    What kind of aminal will do this to a child, someone should break his legs so he can see howe it feels.
    • To PSA (11/05/2021, 14:01) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
      Evil is out there...and there's some that are worse then him SMH
    • @PSA (11/05/2021, 14:10) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
      A animal will not do something like that.
    • To Kay (11/05/2021, 14:36) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
      This news report stated:

      "Initial investigations revealed that the prime suspect is the stepfather of the child who allegedly HAS A RECORD OF PHYSICALLY ABUSING THAT CHILD."

      If this report is correct, the mother knew of past abuses and apparently did nothing to protect her child.

      Can you imagine the pain the poor child suffered while lying in bed until his mother came home? It's really beyond me how anyone can abuse such innocent children. I hope this animal gets severely punished by the law.
      • Core tion (12/05/2021, 09:35) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        You missed out an important point and illuminated that by not capitalising the word ALLEGEDLY. That means he is not guilty because he has not been charged, yet alone found guilty.
        If he is guilty then he’s a monster and the law will punish him but right now, he’s not.
        That’s how the law works. Otherwise anyone could allege something about you and you would have no defence.
      • timeless (12/05/2021, 14:37) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        Let's allow all investigation and court proceedings to take place before repeating and accusing the mother of anything...
        • pressure (14/05/2021, 11:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          There are so
          Many things this mother should be charged with. Number 1 is that the child is not in daycare or preschool. The mother has 2 other children, an older one and a younger one. The older one’s father has custody of him because she was allegedly neglecting the child and she has a younger one who he had enrolled in day care while she leaves this 4 year old at home in VG all day with either her brother who is mentally unstable or her husband who abuses the child. This child needs serious help as he can only speak a few words at the age of four. This mother should have been taking her child to Tola with her to a daycare if none are available on VG as she works in Tola. Who in their right mind would leave a 4 year old with a mental patient all day. That’s the height of neglect
    • too real (13/05/2021, 19:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why blame the stepfather when the child's mother is the one who brought him into the home. She would obviously see marks on the child before, because their skins are sensitive.
      Maybe she only reported this case because the child was in too much pain.
  • WHAT!!! (11/05/2021, 13:15) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    Charge the damn step father.
    • Amazing (12/05/2021, 09:41) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
      Wow! The arguments about this show just how much ppl here love sticking their judgemental noses into things based on nothing more than rumours, here say and allegations. None of this will help the child.
  • Let’s Help (11/05/2021, 13:35) Like (28) Dislike (5) Reply
    If the biological father wants to get his child away from SAVAGE ISLAND. I am all for it. See, that is a perfect example of a jungle savage. How can a person beat on a innocent child like that. The poor child can not defend itself. LET HIM TAKE HIS CHILD FAR AWAY FROM THE UNCARING MOTHER AND HER JUNGLE SAVAGE MAN.
  • Charge Her (11/05/2021, 13:38) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of course she should be charged. I’m sure this is not the first time he beat that child and the Mother must have known.
  • please (11/05/2021, 13:46) Like (27) Dislike (2) Reply
    Help the father to get his son away before the mother allow her man to kill the innocent child. He already harm him and he will do it again. What kind of woman would sick back and allow her man to beat up on her child. The child is better off in the care of his biological father in the UK. The man care and love his child and wants him to have a better safe life. Help him raise the funds for his son to live a better life rather than suffering at the hands of a jungle savage.
    • taliban (12/05/2021, 14:16) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Ask the father in the U.K if he ever sent child support or video called his son while away for the 2 years ???? Now he want to act as lord and savior.
  • Yes I (11/05/2021, 14:03) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
    Let see what help we can to send the boy off
    • Agree (11/05/2021, 15:31) Like (18) Dislike (2) Reply
      We have to help the father get his child to safety before her no good man kill the boy. I WILL SAY, when I see her I want to lick her a** down with a hard fist.

      • look again (11/05/2021, 17:58) Like (20) Dislike (4) Reply
        Just so you all are ready to send this child to the Uk...what do you know about this, his circumstance and ability to have this fragile child with him. Does his son know him...the child could be going from the frying pan into the fire..is the father employed..immediately he
        begging $10,000 is enough for me to say whoaa..
      • Hmm (12/05/2021, 14:18) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        Try it !!!
  • last days (11/05/2021, 14:17) Like (18) Dislike (1) Reply
    Disgusting news everyday in such a small place with a population of less than 35,000
  • u (11/05/2021, 14:33) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    I don't know how woman can live with them jack a** call men u love me u have to love my child and treat then right what young child like that doing with steel in his leg this is wickedness what can this child so buddy Lord have mercy
  • lilis (11/05/2021, 14:47) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    SO NOW THE ISSUE WILL BE ATEMPT NOW!! WHEN SOCIAL AND FAMILY SUPPORT SHOULD BE DOING THEIR JOBS , THEM PEOPLE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED NOT DOING NOTHING FOR HELPING OTHERS SPECIALLY SINGLE MOMS !!
  • ripoff (11/05/2021, 14:50) Like (24) Dislike (15) Reply
    Personally this father is seeking sympathy and trying to get money out of this situation. The mother should confirm whether he was even helping or supporting the child before. If the stepfather is charged I am confident this young woman would get him out of her life. Why she she have to give up custody of her child. Sick system
    • The system is really sick (14/05/2021, 11:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ask the mother what she said to the father when he told her that he was sending money for his child. Ask her then come back in here and talk. I my child need anything and the father is offering to help and support his child whatever it is I will take it because it will benefit the child. I will not tell him that I am not going to stand in no MoneyGram line for that amount of money. Some of us mothers like to use children to spite the fathers when we should be putting the child’s best interest foremost. And the people who encourage mothers to use children to spite fathers well....
      Children don’t have no call in big people business
    • Savage (14/05/2021, 11:38) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Mehson I was their neighbour and I say even if are you don’t want send the child UK then one are need take the child cause that child will suffer with that mother ans stepfather. That mother don’t care bout that child. Child always home alone while mother gone Tola and uncle gone on the road
  • ASKING (11/05/2021, 14:53) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    What's the father status in the UK? Would he be able to take care of his child once the child get there?
    • @ ASking (11/05/2021, 17:31) Like (13) Dislike (8) Reply
      Good question!! I notice most people all for the biological father taking care of the son, but how do we know that this man isn't abusive as the stepfather. We need answers so we could feel comfortable in our heart contributing money to a child who will get proper care.
  • vi (11/05/2021, 15:09) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sorry for the poor child no matter where he and she from they should pay for their crime I mad thinking of going to vg behind them
  • Lilly (11/05/2021, 15:22) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    This story pains my heart. I weep for that poor innocent and defenseless child.
  • So bad (11/05/2021, 15:34) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    The boy end up with a steel rod in his leg because the jungle savage stomp on the child foot messing it up.
  • robocop (11/05/2021, 15:47) Like (67) Dislike (3) Reply
    What a terrible situation. My only concern would be that if the GoFundMe is looking to raise $10,000 how will these monies be used? It does not cost that much to travel between the BVI and UK even if you were travelling first class. I truly hope the father is not using this awful situation to try and scheme money out of well wishers
    • maybe (11/05/2021, 17:58) Like (15) Dislike (12) Reply
      Maybe be has to travel from the UK, pay for quarantine, then headback to the UK with the child,then pay for another quarantine, then get the child into physiotherapy because of his leg plus take care of him on the daily...plane, taxi, train, hotel, food, medical Bill's, it will all add up.
      • robocop (11/05/2021, 19:02) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
        And there was me thinking parents generally have to cover the costs of raising their children through working. Physio and medical costs are covered on NHS 2 plane tickets run to about $2k max allow another $2k for hotel quarantine and local transport. I have sympathy for the guy assuming the monies will be properly used but would be good to get an understanding of how he got to a figure of $10k.
    • kam (11/05/2021, 19:47) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      These expenses will add up also he has to now situate living conditions school therapy etc 10k is chump change when it comes to kids..
  • Advocate (11/05/2021, 15:56) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    What if he takes the child to the UK with him and his woman beats up on the child also. Just saying
    • Lucifer (11/05/2021, 18:17) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Good point. Better the devil you know I say. I mean at least we know without any doubt that he gets beatings here God knows what could happen if he moved out of that environment. Best leave him where he is in case the bus to the airport crashes
  • Calling on the shot caller (11/05/2021, 16:21) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Up the road to straighten out that nigga as he get up ....hail edo. .... no kids is the code all....
  • Sorry to sound insensitive (11/05/2021, 16:25) Like (18) Dislike (7) Reply
    The biological father left and went to the U.K. to live leave said child with the mother probably knowing that the mother didn't have any help to look after the child and the mother was put in a spot with leaving the child with her spouse to provide for the child.The biological father maybe more than likely wasn't any help with said child hence frustration and abuse from the step father..not making excuses for abuse, when people see that parents don't care about their children that is when they abuse them but these fathers move on and live their life without thinking on what will happen to their child in their absence and don't care to help especially when the mother of the child move on. GOD help the child!
    • be careful (11/05/2021, 18:32) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Using that word mother plaese..!!!
    • Grass aint greener (12/05/2021, 06:31) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why are you pointing fingers back to the childfather like if is he who do the beating up of the child. He never told her to take a child abuser as a husband. You make nosense. How you know he was not supporting? How you know he aint in school trying to be better, how you know aint she who didn't want support from him. It easy to say the man aint doing this but that aint the point the point is she make the wrong decision not the child father.
  • How it is done (11/05/2021, 16:59) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Even though he is the biological father, they are not going to just hand the child over to him. They are going to make sure he can be able to provide for the child in the UK.
  • Woe (11/05/2021, 17:34) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lock her up and throw away the key!! Why would yiu allow a man to beat your child like that??? Noo sah!!
  • Pieces (11/05/2021, 18:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The killing instinct is in the DNA and no one is s
    afe. Votes are worth this?
  • Can help (11/05/2021, 18:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad! Will try to find out what’s up; I’m sure we can get them on the next Virgin Atlantic from Antiuga to U.K at best cost or for free.
  • gfdfdggfdgfdgfdg (11/05/2021, 18:50) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would of kill that .....
  • Ghost (11/05/2021, 19:42) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    You know things like this makes “my flesh “ rage though being a christian.. for In my flesh I would literally kill that man for hurting my child:. And I don’t undertaken why a mother would stay with someone that hurts her child.. as a child of God I am asking God how does one forgive such evil against your child and not tear that man asunder. how????. When it comes to my own, I am a combination of a “She-Wolf & Lioness”... I pray God bring vengeance upon them both.. I also pray for that child that he’ll be ok and no further harm/hurt will come to him..
  • y (11/05/2021, 20:02) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    For me every time I hear that word step my blood runs hot weather mother or father very rear u find one with respect and love so my advice to women or men be careful
  • island man (11/05/2021, 22:27) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The perp legs should be broken also and no medical assistant.
  • So sad (11/05/2021, 22:37) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I wish the child get a better future but first of all the child should be removed from that violent home
    The question is if the mother would want the father to take the child. He not likely has a passport and both parents have to sign the application. I wished for the father he can find someone in the BVI to assist him with all the requirements
    He also needs a copy of The child’s birth certificate to take to UK. I wish him well
  • Grass aint greener (12/05/2021, 06:20) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Grass aint always green mothers and fathers . Just because they treating you good you can't forget about your kids. Don't run into a next committed relationship take some time to think about what's best for your kids. You made a 18 year choice.
  • musa (12/05/2021, 07:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    When lost the father pay child support ? Issues arise and he need financial support to take the child away that is a no no for the guy who commits the crime you need to do time in jail and the authorities need to provide you with with mental health support ,for the mother she need to speak out the truth so her child can get the best support and never have this sort of experience again.
  • mother (12/05/2021, 09:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    What to say? Here we go. I hope the child has a full recovery he deserves to lead a full happy life. With my every being I hope the perpetrator gets to the fullest extent the law allows. He hurt that child and left him in pain until the mother got home. He is not mental he is wicked. Throw 2 books at him. Send the message that children are to cherished no matter the relation. Madness. For the mother, my heart goes out for you. I do not know your truth, however, you are responsible for the life or lives you birth. In the worst of time there are always honest-hearted persons that care for you, find them and rely on them, let them help you cope. Staying silent about any form of abuse is giving power to the abuser. Let's break the silence. To the biological father, what role did you have to play in this? Have you been an active male figure in this child's life? Please come fort and explains to us. Yes, you and yours owe us an explanation. We will not be sending you our money without some character information about you. Let's do this. To the rest of us, let us work in the interest of the child. Let our speech be seasoned with salt, even though we want to get on bad and rightfully so. Our comment will be around when he can read. Sigh..................
  • timeless (12/05/2021, 14:47) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I've read a whole lot of comments up on here and I speak as a man...we are here talking about the father hoe many of us knew if he was in this child's life for the four years....how many of us know the hardship that this mother had to endure being s single parent..how many of us know if she was being threatened..we tend to like to talk and point fingers when the ball isn't in our court..but quick to point fingers when it's not.. every god dsmn thing concerning the mother is alleged..do treat it as such ..yall don't think she is hurting as well ..who was at the hospital bed bet you it was her ..yall got to stop that fuckery man for real stop bashing the woman yall dont know what took place
    • Hmm (12/05/2021, 16:46) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agreed with you
    • Understand (13/05/2021, 16:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I understand what you are saying, however,..........NO man putting his hand on your child, especially if he is not the father.....she had need to go into overdrive the first time he did that,(they didn't say discipline, they said abuse) there are resources to help her when it had come to that..I am a mother and I accept NO excuses when it comes to NOT doing everything in your power to protect YOUR innocent DEFENCELESS child.
    • facts (14/05/2021, 11:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      She was at the hospital bed because she was instructed to be. She was told she can’t leave. And threatened or not protect your children at all cost. The mother ever on the road looking hot but the boy looking neglected because he is. Real sad. Hope the child is protected in the future.
  • Jane (13/05/2021, 11:06) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Some of these mothers will DO ANYTHING FOR A MAN TO LOVE THEM EVEN GO AGAINST THEM OWN CHILDREN. CHARGE HER YESSSSS
  • mad (14/05/2021, 12:08) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Listen my heart in pain. Who is the mother fist off. How she allow this. Who is that nan. He need to be six feet under. With. Woman the man do that to your child ge going still han you regardless. Foolish
  • Father of the child (15/05/2021, 09:09) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    To every one of you who so feel yall know the situation and seeking the truth well here it is, the truth is I was in this child life up ontill he was almost 3 years old working my a$$ off at water and sewage just so that this child could have a future but at that time I also was goin tru problems with this same ***** ***** and this ***** ***** of mines has a way of fooling the public that she is this sweet kind-hearted person when in fact this woman is the devil to all God!! Talk about setting police on ur own ***** ***** who u live with all because he question you about your whereabouts and guess what? She had plans all along up and down *******, this woman left our son with me for almost a month went sailing sleep places and never checked on her child for almost a month but I never struggled to carry that child day care and back when I had to work the most I ever did was question her about seeing her child,and one day she came back with police to get her things and they end up taking the child from me giving him back to his mother she filed for a restraining or order against me all because I needed some of the child stuffs she had I was dragged to court reduce to only bein able to pick up this child on a weekend which I found was unfair all because this woman wanted to have piece a cake else where!! Well I decided enough was enough so I moved away to better my self and guess what I still reach out to help my son send money to this woman about 3 times ontill she decided to say to me she is not goin to be standing up in no line to receive money from me that I am sending for my child I offered several times over and over and this woman refused me, so for people thinking they know the situation the issue is not me not wanting to be in this child life the issue is who I am faced to be dealing with every day, asking a mother every day how is my child? What's new with him? Are there any improvements about him and every time I swear to God is two letter word as a answer (he is good) and that's it.... how can a mother live in her own house doesn't have to pay rent and can't afford to send her child school?? People claim to know every thing but is only the bull**** lies *** spills to the media, people and friends and they always believes because she puts on this sweet voice innocent act and guess what at the end of the day social services still choose to send my son right back into the same house with this same mental ****** of hers and God knows if this **** ***** is even coming back to that same house..



Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.