BRIAN STARRS SHAKES BABY IN DUNDEE AND PERTH - NEAR FATAL ATTACK IN SCOTLAND

A violent assault on a 13-month-old infant by a man from Dundee has resulted in a five-year prison sentence, following a detailed trial at the High Court in Perth. The defendant, Brian Starrs, aged 22, was convicted of severely shaking the young boy, an act that nearly cost the child's life. Starrs, who has a troubling criminal history with 17 previous convictions, was found guilty after a five-day examination of the evidence and testimonies presented during the court proceedings.

Judge Lord Bonomy addressed Starrs directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, "Conduct involving the very severe shaking of a child has the obvious potential of killing the child. But for the prompt attention of medical experts, he could be suffering far greater damage." The judge acknowledged the resilience of the young victim, noting that the child had recovered well, which was a fortunate outcome. However, he also pointed out that the injury was severe enough to threaten the child's life, and that the incident occurred in a matter of seconds or, at most, a few minutes.

Starrs, who resides in Fintryside, Dundee, was already serving time for previous offences related to firearms and breach of the peace. His sentence was extended by an additional two months and six days because he was out on licence at the time of the attack in September 2001. The court heard that Starrs was left in charge of the toddler while his mother went to a bingo game. During this period, he was engaged in playing computer games but became increasingly frustrated when the child refused to go to sleep.

Neighbours testified that they heard Starrs shouting expletives at the crying baby, with one neighbor recalling Starrs screaming, "f***ing shut up." Prosecutor Graham Bell explained that Starrs, overwhelmed by frustration, lost control and violently shook the child. Bell stated, "Brian Starrs was responsible for the care of the child. He was playing on the computer when he was disturbed by the crying. He got very frustrated and lost his temper and went on to commit a very serious assault. He used excessive violence towards this child. He gave it such a shake he caused dreadful injury to the child and indeed placed the child's life in danger."

Further details revealed that Starrs was found holding the baby, who was described by a neighbor, James Lindsay, as being limp and unresponsive. Lindsay recounted, "I realised straight away there was something wrong with the child. He was limp. It was like he was out cold. Brian said he had picked him up and shook him and had taken him to the bath to put water on him and bring him back round." Starrs admitted to shaking the child, claiming he was attempting to revive him. However, medical examinations showed that the infant had over a dozen injuries across his body, including adult fingermarks on his face, indicating the severity of the assault.

This case highlights the dangers of child abuse and the tragic consequences that can result from moments of loss of control. The court's decision reflects the seriousness of such acts and the need for accountability, especially when the victim is so vulnerable.