ANDREW RUTTER FLED TONGE MOOR AFTER SHAKING BABY JACOB, JAILED IN BOLTON

In a dramatic development in a disturbing case of child abuse, Andrew Rutter, aged 28, who was convicted of severely shaking his infant son, Jacob Rutter-Harper, has been sentenced to prison after a four-week manhunt. The incident, which took place on May 13, 2012, in Tonge Moor, has shocked the local community and prompted a significant police investigation.

Rutter was initially on trial facing serious charges, including causing grievous bodily harm to his seven-month-old son and neglecting to seek medical assistance for him. During the proceedings, Rutter chose to flee, leaving the courtroom before the verdict was delivered. Despite his absence, a jury found him guilty of the charges, and Judge Timothy Clayson sentenced him to six and a half years in prison. The judge’s decision underscored the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the young victim.

Following his conviction, authorities issued a warrant for Rutter’s arrest, and he was placed on the police’s most wanted list. It was not until this morning that police officers tracked him down at an address on Angle Street, Tonge Moor. Rutter was apprehended around 11 a.m. and taken into custody. His arrest was facilitated after his photograph was prominently featured in The Bolton News’ most wanted section, which helped generate public awareness and tips leading to his capture.

In a further development, Rutter was brought back before the courts and appeared at Bolton Crown Court. During this hearing, he admitted to breaching his bail conditions, which resulted in an additional one-month jail sentence imposed by Judge Clayson. The court proceedings revealed that Rutter was arrested on a warrant issued by Bolton Crown Court on January 28, due to his failure to appear at his trial.

Regarding the victim, baby Jacob, he suffered a subdural haematoma, a serious condition where blood accumulates between the skull and the brain’s surface. Fortunately, it is believed that Jacob did not suffer any long-term consequences from his injuries. The incident left him with a traumatic brain injury, but he has since been placed in the care of Ms. Harper’s parents, who are now responsible for his wellbeing.

In the case’s aftermath, Samantha Harper, aged 22, was cleared of child neglect charges after the prosecution decided to discontinue proceedings against her. The investigation was led by Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden from Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, who confirmed the arrest and the circumstances surrounding it. She stated, “At 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Bolton Police arrested a male and female from an address at Angle Street, Tonge Moor, Bolton. The male, Andrew James Rutter, was arrested on warrant. The warrant was issued by Bolton Crown Court on January 28 for failing to appear. He has been charged. The 22-year-old woman, who was arrested for assisting an offender, remains in custody.”

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring that perpetrators of such heinous acts are brought to justice, as the community in Tonge Moor and Bolton at large seeks closure and reassurance that such incidents will be thoroughly addressed.