ANDREW WHITE SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL BABY ATTACKS IN DUNDEE AND LIVINGSTON

A man named Andrew White, aged 32, originally from Dundee, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of heinous assaults on two infant boys, one of whom suffered a brain injury and a fractured leg. The disturbing incidents took place in different locations across Scotland, specifically in Livingston and Shotts, with the court proceedings held at the High Court in Edinburgh.

According to court records, White’s first assault occurred in 2010 at a residence in Livingston. At that time, the victim was merely three months old. White was accused of physically attacking the infant by grabbing him, applying compressive force to his body, twisting or pulling his leg, and delivering blunt force trauma to his head. These violent actions resulted in multiple injuries, including bruising, red marks, and a fracture to the child's right ankle. Medical experts testified that the injuries required significant force, especially to cause the observed bruising and fractures, indicating a level of violence that was deeply concerning.

White had previously admitted to these charges, which involved severe physical assault on the young child. The court heard that the injuries inflicted were extensive, affecting the child's foot, knee, torso, and face. A child protection specialist emphasized that the injuries were consistent with a forceful assault, and the severity of the trauma was evident.

Fast forward to 2018, White was also convicted of assaulting a second infant, a four-week-old boy, at a house in Shotts. The attack involved White repeatedly shaking the baby, causing blunt trauma and a fracture to the child's leg. The injuries were serious enough to require hospitalization, where the infant experienced a prolonged seizure and was intubated overnight. Medical examinations revealed a subdural hemorrhage, which was linked to the shaking, and the baby’s leg injury was described as a displaced oblique femoral fracture. The medical team confirmed that the seizure posed a life-threatening risk, but fortunately, the infant made a good recovery after treatment.

Prosecutor Liam Ewing KC highlighted the danger posed by White’s actions, describing the injuries as life-threatening. White initially faced charges of attempted murder but ultimately pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of assault causing severe injury. The court acknowledged the gravity of the offenses, especially considering the vulnerability of the victims and the trust placed in White as an adult.

During sentencing, Lord Doherty addressed White’s background, noting that he was relatively immature at 19 during the first assault but was an adult during the second. The judge also took into account White’s difficult childhood, mental health issues, and the fact that he had a leg amputated following a road accident. Despite these factors, the court emphasized that White’s crimes were extremely serious, committed against helpless infants in a position of trust.

Lord Doherty expressed that White was genuinely remorseful for his actions and sentenced him to a total of six years and four months in prison. Additionally, White will be subject to a two-year supervision order upon release, with conditions that could lead to re-imprisonment if breached. The defense acknowledged White’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility, which was considered during sentencing.

In his detailed sentencing statement, Lord Doherty explained the nature of the offenses, emphasizing the brutality involved. The first charge involved assaulting a three-month-old by seizing him, compressing his body, twisting his leg, and causing blunt trauma, resulting in bruising and a healed ankle fracture. The second charge involved shaking a four-week-old, leading to a life-threatening seizure, subdural hemorrhage, and a fractured leg. The court noted that the injuries inflicted were severe, with the baby in hospital for over a week and in foster care for several months afterward. The medical evidence confirmed that the child had made a good recovery, with no permanent impairment.

Lord Doherty also considered White’s personal circumstances, including his troubled childhood, mental health struggles, and the trauma of losing a leg in a road accident. Despite these hardships, the court stressed the seriousness of the offenses, especially given the vulnerability of the victims and the breach of trust involved. The court imposed an extended sentence, which combined a custodial period of six years and four months with a two-year extension to protect the public from further harm. The sentence was backdated to August 18, 2023, the date White was remanded in custody.

Furthermore, non-harassment orders were issued, prohibiting White from approaching or contacting the victims and their families for ten years, other than through legal representatives. The court also directed the Scottish Ministers to be notified of White’s convictions under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, ensuring ongoing monitoring and safeguarding measures.