CATCHY TABLOID HEADLINE: CARL ALESBROOK FROM MATLOCK ACCUSED OF MURDERING BABY ELIJAH SHEMWELL

A 19-year-old man named Carl Alesbrook, hailing from Matlock, is currently standing trial accused of the tragic death of a four-month-old baby named Elijah Shemwell. The incident, which took place in January 2022, has shocked the community and prompted a detailed examination of Alesbrook’s actions leading up to the infant’s death.

According to court proceedings, Alesbrook is alleged to have caused Elijah’s death by shaking him violently after losing his temper. The court has heard that just days before Elijah was taken to the hospital, Alesbrook sent a Snapchat message to Elijah’s mother in which he referred to the baby using a derogatory term, calling him a ‘c***t’. This message has been presented as evidence to shed light on Alesbrook’s state of mind and attitude towards the child.

Elijah suffered severe injuries, including fractures to his limbs and ribs, which ultimately led to his death. The injuries were consistent with shaking or violent trauma, and the court has been told that Alesbrook was the person responsible for these injuries. He has denied the charges of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH) related to Elijah’s injuries. A third GBH charge was withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.

During the trial, it was revealed that Alesbrook had a contentious relationship with Elijah’s mother. Evidence was presented indicating that he had sent her a message expressing that it ‘hurts’ him that she had slept with Elijah’s father just four hours after he had helped her at her home. Alesbrook also denied claims that he was ‘in love’ with Elijah’s mother or that he was ‘jealous’ of her relationship with Elijah’s father.

The court heard that Elijah’s crying could have been a trigger for Alesbrook’s temper, especially considering that he was suffering from a toothache and had taken co-codamol, which might have affected his mood and judgment. Prosecutor Vanessa Marshall KC argued that despite Alesbrook’s attempts to soothe Elijah, he resorted to shaking the infant, which resulted in Elijah’s death. The evidence suggests that this act was reckless and ultimately fatal.

The trial continues as the court seeks to determine whether Alesbrook’s actions were deliberate or the result of reckless behavior. The outcome will have significant implications for his future, as the court considers whether he should be held responsible for murder and GBH charges. The case remains a tragic and complex investigation into the circumstances surrounding Elijah Shemwell’s death in Matlock.