The five-month was assaulted by one his parents while the other failed to protect him after frustrations boiled over as they struggled to adjust to life with a baby.
The parents, who are both from East Cambridgeshire and in their 20s but cannot be named, attended a routine appointment to check the baby’s weight and general health in November 2018.
A health professional expressed concerns about bruising to the child’s face and a bloodshot eye. The parents suggested this was because he had scratched his eye and as a result of moving around in his cot.
The health worker insisted they attend Addenbrooke’s Hospital so additional assessments could be made and the parents agreed. A referral was also made to children’s social care.
Following assessment at hospital it was established the child had bruising to his face, a haemorrhage to his eye and a number of fractured ribs.
The child was taken into the care of the local authority and both parents arrested. In interview they continued to deny any wrongdoing and maintained the injuries were self-inflicted or caused by other implausible means. They were unable to provide any rational explanation.
Both parents were charged, and later admitted, assaulting or ill-treating a child to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.
At Cambridge Crown Court the mother was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirement. The father was handed a 12-month community order and ordered to complete 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement.
The child remains in the care of extended family by court order.
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