A mother has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for Grievous Bodily Harm to a three month old baby.
In December 2022, the boy was presented to medics in a life threatening state.
The child was given emergency medical treatment at Nobles Hospital and then flown to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for specialist care.
An investigation commenced and both parents were arrested.
Evidence Gathered
Police said that as the investigation progressed and further evidence was gathered, the Police heavily suspected that the mother of the child had shaken him a number of times, causing irreparable damage to the child’s brain.
The child was in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for some time and much to the amazement of the medical teams and police, he didn’t die of his injuries.
The Police, Manx Care and Social Care worked together to ensure the safe collection of evidence and safeguarding requirements were achieved by all agencies.
The child was placed with a foster mother who has cared for him to this day and intends to continue to look after him moving forward.
The boy has sustained life changing injuries and will always require specialist medical care.
The mother of the child pleaded guilty to causing Grievous Bodily Harm last year, and has been sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Difficult Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Maddocks who headed the investigation with the assistance of specially trained detectives said: “This is one of the most difficult investigations I have been involved in, not only is this the investigation complex in terms of securing the evidence but also because the child was healthy before he sustained the injuries caused by his mother, which is something very emotive.
“The lady who has fostered the child is a hero in my eyes, without her the child would not have progressed the way he has and I want to personally thank her for her commitment and love she has given to him.
“I want to urge any parent that may be struggling with a new baby to seek help before matters go too far and irreparable damage is done. Social Care and Manx Care both provide services that support parents and families and there is no shame in asking for help or recognising you may need it.”