Couple Accused Of Beating Teen With Belt Over Way She Dressed

SPRING HILL, FL — A Spring Hill couple have been charged with child abuse after being accused of beating a 14-year-old girl with a leather belt during an argument over what she was planning to wear to school.

According to Pasco County Sheriff's deputies, around 7:30 a.m. Thursday Christopher White, 45, and Angela O' Brien, 41, of Akins Drive began beating the girl during an argument about the clothes she was wearing.

Deputies said a witness drove by the home and saw White grab the teen by the hair and throw her into his vehicle. The witness said the girl hit her head on the dashboard.

The witness followed the vehicle to a location in Spring Hill where the teenager got out of the vehicle and ran to the witness for help.

The witness said she drove the girl from the scene and called 911.

When interviewed, the teen said she was struck with a leather belt more than 15 times on her arms, legs, back and buttocks. She said O' Brien also punched her in the eye.

Deputies noted that the 14-year-old had swelling and redness around her right eye, as well as approximately 25 belt pattern marks on her middle torso and arms, which were starting to swell.

When interviewed, White admitted that “he lost his cool” and agreed that his actions were excessive. He expressed surprise when deputies showed him photos of the victim's injuries.

O’Brien admitted to striking the girl in the eye.

White was charged with aggravated child abuse. O’Brien was charged with child abuse.