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Dad Who Failed To Apply Sunblock To Son Avoids Prison

POSTED: 8:19 am EDT October 21, 2004
UPDATED: 11:42 am EDT October 21, 2004

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. -- There will be no prison time for a Vineland man who failed to apply enough sunscreen to his 12-year-old son.

Walter McKelvie Jr. received four years of probation and has to attend parenting classes after he pleaded guilty to child abuse and neglect charges Wednesday.

The 43-year-old was facing up to 18 months in prison.

McKelvie and the boy, who is mentally disabled, spent 7 1/2 hours at the beach in Wildwood in July 2003.

The child suffered second-degree burns that left large, bleeding blisters on his back, chest and shoulder.

Authorities were alerted by the boy's mother, who is divorced from McKelvie.

7 & 1/2 hours at the beach with no sunblock?

...and they're saying the child is mentally disabled?