Georgia Senate Candidate Sentenced for Child Abuse After Spatula Attack
A Georgia Senate candidate was sentenced to seven years for beating a 5-year-old with a spatula, sparking outrage over his campaign.
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A Georgia Democrat Senate candidate has been sentenced to seven years in prison for beating a 5-year-old child with a spatula, according to court records. Justin Grant Gillespie, 41, was found guilty of cruelty to children and battery after the incident at a daycare in Hull, Georgia.
Conviction and Sentence
Gillespie, who was working at Happy Kids Learning Center at the time of the incident, was sentenced last week by Madison County Superior Court Judge Chris NeSmith. The sentence includes two years in state prison, with the remaining time served on probation. He remains in the Madison County Jail.
The incident occurred on February 1, 2021, when Gillespie struck the child in the lower back with a spatula, leaving a red, raised welt. The child told investigators that Gillespie was upset because she hadn’t taken a nap. Gillespie admitted to swinging the spatula but claimed he was on the phone and didn’t realize the child was nearby.
Legal Proceedings and Court Behavior
The case was initially filed in March 2021, and the trial dragged on for over five years. Gillespie initially appeared for a jury trial, then fired his lawyer, hired another, and opted for a bench trial. During the testimony of the victim’s family, Gillespie was seen rolling his eyes, which the judge considered in determining the sentence.
Campaign and Political Implications
Gillespie was unopposed in the May primary for State Senate District 47 and was set to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Frank Ginn in November. His campaign platform emphasized inclusivity, dignity, and family support. However, the conviction has raised serious questions about his suitability for public office.
Gillespie’s personal Instagram account, athens_jho, and his involvement with the Athens Showgirl Cabaret, a local drag troupe, have drawn attention. The troupe hosts events marketed as open to children with a parent or guardian. His campaign has now come under intense scrutiny following the sentencing.
Governor Brian Kemp’s office has stated that the felony conviction likely disqualifies Gillespie from the ballot, and votes for him may not be counted. Sen. Frank Ginn has called the incident shocking, noting he has never seen anything like it during his years in office.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
