Man jailed after assault leaves tiny baby with 'horrific' injuries

Cleveland Police officers were investigating a number of assaults on an infant which caused the child, who was just a few weeks old at the time, numerous fractures and other injuries.

At Teesside Crown Court on Friday, August 14, the attacker was handed a 30-month jail sentence.

The man involved in the case cannot be named due to legal reasons, and no further identifying details can be released at this time.

Specialist officers from the force's Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Unit worked with colleagues from a local authority after social services staff flagged the case with police several months ago.

Speaking on Friday, Detective Sergeant Nicky Barker said: “This is one of the most distressing cases I have investigated during my policing career and it had a profound effect on all the agencies involved.

"The defendant inflicted almost unimaginable and horrific injuries on a tiny baby and left it until the last minute to plead guilty at family court earlier this summer.

“Because the defendant refused to immediately admit his actions, the rest of the family had to suffer further anguish and distress as it meant this complex and lengthy process continued over several months.

“On that note I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Local Authority Social Services Department for their outstanding professionalism, support and assistance – this really was an excellent example of partnership working.

“I welcome the sentence passed today – we all have a part to play in protecting the most vulnerable members of society, and police and our partner agencies will do everything possible to bring to justice those who harm children.

"I hope the sentence also brings a degree of comfort to the child’s mother and I wish her and the family well for the future.”

Det Sgt Barker also urged members of the public to contact 101, or 999 in an emergency, if they have any concerns for the welfare of a child.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or those with concerns can contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].

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