Justice Nigel Pilgrim is at the center of a challenging legal decision as he prepares to sentence Michael Cowo, a 36-year-old man who pleaded guilty to child cruelty in the High Court last month. Cowo admitted to leaving his two-year-old son home alone, a decision he now deeply regrets. His defense attorney, Dr. Lynden Jones, is advocating for leniency, proposing a suspended sentence, mandatory counseling, and a curfew. Cowo’s family, including his mother, sister, and common-law wife, have also pleaded for mercy, portraying him as a devoted father who made a grave error. However, prosecutors are steadfast in their demand for the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the need to deter such behavior. The incident, which occurred three years ago, involved the toddler being found wandering the streets at 4 a.m., distressed and crying. Justice Pilgrim has postponed the sentencing to November 21 to carefully consider all arguments. Cowo’s emotional plea to the court—’I am truly sorry. I know I can’t undo what I did, but please be merciful. I miss my family. I just want to see my son.’—has added a poignant layer to the case. The court’s decision will not only determine Cowo’s fate but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future.