The Supreme Court, last week, upheld life sentence for a man accused of torturing his step-son.

Edouard Karemera was, last year, convicted of torturing Zacharias Bizimungu, a one-and-a-half-year old boy in Rangiro, Nyamasheke district.

The Rusizi Intermediate Court sentenced him to life in prison, but he appealed the ruling early this year.

Prosecution said in June 2012, Karemera drove a needle through the baby's armpit. The needle ended up in the child's lungs.

He also used a tool to smash the baby ribs disabling him in the process, according to medical reports.

Karemera first told court that he committed the offence in revenge after his brother-in-law accused him of stealing a beer bottle. However, he later changed his defence, saying he was under the influence of drugs.

Upholding the verdict, the court said he deserves a life sentence because the torture, which left the baby disabled, is beyond bearing.