CLEO SMITH FROM NORMACOT ESCAPES PRISON AFTER CRUELTY CASE INVOLVING BABY IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In August 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving a woman from Normacot who inflicted severe harm on a vulnerable infant. The woman, identified as 28-year-old Cleo Smith, was accused of causing a fractured skull to a baby who was only a few weeks old at the time. The incident was initially concealed by Smith, who attempted to hide the injury from medical professionals and authorities.

It was only when a health visitor conducted a routine check that the swelling of the baby's head was noticed, raising suspicions of serious injury. The baby was promptly taken to hospital, where doctors diagnosed a fractured skull. Medical experts later explained that the injury resulted from a high-energy impact, likely caused by the child's head hitting a hard object with significant force.

Despite the clear signs of trauma, Smith did not seek immediate medical assistance. Instead, she avoided a scheduled check-up and told family members that a doctor had already examined the child. The injury remained untreated for three days until the health visitor's discovery prompted further action.

During police interviews, Smith initially claimed that the injury occurred when the baby’s head hit a door frame as she bent down to pick up a dummy from the floor. However, she later altered her account, suggesting that the child had fallen accidentally from a bed. Smith’s changing stories did little to obscure her involvement, and she eventually pleaded guilty to a charge of child cruelty, admitting she failed to seek medical help for the baby. She maintained, however, that she did not cause the skull fracture itself.

The court proceedings revealed that the child suffered no lasting physical effects from the injury and that she no longer maintains contact with Smith. The case, which had experienced significant delays, was heard at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. The incident was said to have occurred approximately five years prior to the trial.

Judge Paul Glenn addressed the court, expressing that if the incident had taken place more recently, he would have imposed a prison sentence. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the considerable delay in the case as a form of punishment. The judge emphasized that Smith posed no ongoing threat to the public and believed that immediate imprisonment was unnecessary. Instead, he aimed to facilitate some degree of rehabilitation, recognizing that Smith needed help.

As a result, Judge Glenn sentenced Smith to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. The sentence included a 30-day requirement for participation in a rehabilitation activity and a six-month alcohol treatment program. The judge noted that Smith was under significant stress at the time of the injury and highlighted that the jury was convinced the injury was caused unlawfully. He concluded by stating that only Smith truly knew how the fracture was sustained, leaving the case with an air of unresolved mystery regarding the exact circumstances of the injury.