Sick couple jailed after leaving child with fractured cranium, damaged wrists and mind harm
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Craig Neill and Amy Cave have been jailed after a baby was left with life-threatening injuries, having been swung or thrown against a wall
A sick couple have been jailed after leaving a baby with life-threatening injuries, including broken wrists, a fractured skull and permanent brain damage. A court heard the child may have been swung or thrown against a wall or floor of a house.
The child, who can not be named for legal reasons, had also suffered two jaw fractures, and burns which suggested a heat source had been held to their skin.
Amy Cave, 21, of Waltham Close, Darlington, was found guilty of allowing or causing a child to suffer serious physical harm and was sentenced to ten years in prison. Craig Neill, 26, of Yarm Road, Darlington, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with an additional one year on extended licence after he was convicted of the same charge.
Teesside Crown Court heard that the child was left fighting for their life after suffering multiple injuries over several weeks.
Judge Carroll said it was likely somebody swung the child and caused their head to hit a hard surface, and he was satisfied it was “dangerous offender” Neill who inflicted the injury. The court heard Neill had previous convictions for violence and showed no remorse.
Judge Carroll said Cave had also slapped the child, leaving finger marks across their face, and failed to prevent the abuse.
“Matters came to a head on May 26,’ the judge said. “Both Neill and Cave were present in her house and neither has given a proper truthful account of what happened to the child.
“They [the child] suffered a significant skull fracture consistent with traumatic injury from a blunt impact against a solid object.
“One of these defendants had either picked the child up and swung them with force against a hard surface or threw them with force against a solid wall or floor causing the fracture and immediate life-threatening brain bleed.
“I am satisfied that this violence was inflicted by Neill and I am satisfied that Cave was either present and saw it or was in the immediate vicinity and must have heard the impact.”
Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said Neill had shown “sadistic behaviour” by inflicting a series of injuries of an ever-increasing magnitude, adding: “He showed a deliberate disregard for the welfare of the victim. As far as it relates to Amy Cave, she failed to take any steps to protect the victim.”
The court heard how the toddler had to have part of their skull removed to relieve pressure on their brain after suffering significant head trauma.
The child also had several previous injuries, including two jaw fractures, fractures to both wrists, and burns to a finger and thumb consistent with having a heat source held to their skin.
Nicholas Lumley KC, representing Cave, said his client denied slapping the child across the face in the days leading up to the toddler suffering the head injury.
Police said emergency services and medical professionals “undoubtedly” saved the child’s life when they were called to a house in Darlington on May 26 this year, following reports that a baby had become unresponsive.
Detective Sergeant Melissa Lamb, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “The child, who is now two years old, was discharged from hospital this summer and is thankfully making a good recovery, despite everything they have endured.
“The actions of the paramedics and police officers at the house and subsequent medical staff undoubtedly saved the child’s life.
“The actions of Amy Cave and Craig Neill are unforgivable. Rather than take any responsibility for their actions that day, which left a child with catastrophic injuries, they instead tried to lie in a callous attempt to save their own skin.
“I would also urge anyone who has concerns about those caring for children to speak out and ask for help – your actions could help stop a child from suffering abuse.”
If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge’s 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247
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