Man jailed for causing life-changing injuries to baby

Tragedy struck after 21-year-old Callum Marriott was left in charge of the victim for a few minutes, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The boy went limp after the shaking and was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Scans confirmed bleeding on the brain and within the eyes. Experts concluded this could not have happened accidentally.

Mr Nicholas Smith, prosecuting, said: “This incident has had a huge impact on the child’s life.” The boy cannot focus on anything beyond 30 centimetres from his face and needs constant care, the court was told.

Doctors have warned that his development will be slower than others in his age group. He will also need psychotherapy as well as extra assistance with speech and language for some time to come.

Mr Robert Newcombe, defending, said: “This happened in a moment of frustration, causing injury without any external bruising or broken ribs, but because of the delicate nature of the brain, the injuries are of a very serious nature.”

Marriott, who lives in Sandwell, and was of previous good character, was said to have a low IQ but had not needed to be educated at a special school.

He pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm but was convicted by a jury last month after trial.

The defendant was jailed by Judge Amjad Nawaz, who said: “This is a case that can only be described as truly catastrophic for all concerned.

“The child was floppy like a rag doll, struggling to breathe and gasping for breath. On the way to hospital in the ambulance he suffered two seizures.”

CTI and MRI scans revealed bleed in four areas of the brain and behind both eyes, which have resulted in him being unable to do many things that would normally be expected of a child, continued the judge, who added: “He cannot focus on anything beyond 30 centimetres from his eyes. His overall development is slow and he will need psychotherapy together with help with speech and language for some time to come.”

Detective Constable Kim Savage, from West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit, who led investigations into the incident, said after the case: “Marriott denied causing the injuries and sought to blame someone else but I am pleased the jury saw through his lies. The child has been left with permanent learning difficulties and will require special needs care for the rest of his life.

“I hope this serves as a reminder to others that if you see a child with any suspicious injuries, please do something about it - it is better to report it and be wrong than not do anything.”