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US mum in hot sauce abuse case

Prosecutors say an Alaskan woman committed child abuse by squirting hot sauce in the mouth of her adopted Russian son.

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Source: EPA

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Source: AAP


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US prosecutors say an Alaskan woman committed child abuse by squirting hot sauce in the mouth of her adopted Russian son in a case that came under international scrutiny after a Dr Phil episode.

Cynthia Franklin told a jury on Wednesday that Jessica Beagley was punishing the boy for lying about getting in trouble in school.

Franklin also says Beagley made the boy stand naked in a cold shower for getting in trouble.

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Beagley is charged with misdemeanour child abuse.

Her lawyer says she was not being cruel when punishing her son, but was desperate to address difficult behaviour.

Dr Phil viewers alerted Anchorage police after an episode aired that included a videotape of Beagley punishing her son.

The US talkshow program hosted by psychologist Phil McGraw often deals with behavioural issues.


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