CLAIRE COOK AND JAMES HAMSHAW FROM BEDWORTH SENTENCED FOR BABY'S TRAGIC DEATH AND DISPOSAL

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bedworth, a premature infant who tragically died shortly after birth was subjected to a horrifying act of disposal. Claire Cook and James Hamshaw, both residents of Bedworth, found themselves embroiled in a heartbreaking and criminal situation that would only come to light over two years later.

According to court proceedings, Cook and Hamshaw were unaware of the pregnancy until just one month before the baby’s arrival. The child was born prematurely at eight weeks on August 14, 2014. The circumstances surrounding the baby’s death remain unclear, but what is certain is the devastating aftermath. Following the infant’s death, the pair made the grim decision to conceal the body rather than seek any form of help or report the birth.

James Hamshaw, aged 23 and without a fixed address, took the body of the infant and placed it inside a plastic bag. In a shocking act of negligence and cruelty, he then threw the bag containing the deceased baby off a bridge near the railway line on Queen Street in Bedworth. This heinous act was carried out in secret, and it was not until more than two years later that the infant’s remains were discovered. The discovery occurred after Hamshaw, during an interview related to unrelated offences, disclosed what had happened to the police.

Both Cook, aged 24 and residing on North Street in Bedworth, and Hamshaw were subsequently arrested and charged with the offence of concealing a birth. Their guilty pleas to this charge led to their appearance before Warwick Crown Court for sentencing. The court heard emotional testimonies from their legal representatives. Ben Gow, representing Cook, described her as being overwhelmed by guilt and turmoil since the tragic death of her baby. He explained that she had been carrying this burden alone for nearly two years, and that she constantly thought about the child. Just before the hearing, Cook broke down in tears, expressing remorse and describing herself as a “horrible person” for her role in the events.

Similarly, Simon Hunka, defending Hamshaw, detailed the psychological toll the incident had taken on him. Hamshaw reportedly struggled with the images of what he had witnessed and the feelings of helplessness. His mental health deteriorated to the point where he abused Class A drugs and even attempted to take his own life. These actions led him to hospital, where he ultimately disclosed the details of the incident to the police.

Judge Richard Griffith-Jones addressed the court, condemning the case as “deeply offensive to right-minded people.” He acknowledged that the baby was either stillborn or died of natural causes shortly after birth, but emphasized that the manner in which the infant’s body was disposed of was utterly unacceptable. The judge described the act of placing the deceased child in a plastic bag and throwing it off a bridge as “an appalling thought for anyone.”

In sentencing, both Cook and Hamshaw received ten months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, they were ordered to pay costs of £200 each, payable at a rate of £20 per month. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Bedworth, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of proper legal and medical procedures in such sensitive situations.