DWAYNE GORDON AND KATIE LAKE FROM ABINGDON AND NORTHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD CRUELTY AND ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local communities of Abingdon and Northampton, a father and mother have been brought to justice for their roles in the severe abuse and neglect of a young child. The incident came to light after the 17-month-old boy was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford in January 2019, suffering from multiple injuries that revealed a pattern of ongoing violence and mistreatment.

Medical professionals, including Dr. Janet Craze, who examined the child at the hospital, described the injuries as deeply concerning. Among the visible signs of abuse was a slap mark on the child's face, which Dr. Craze stated was a common injury seen by paediatricians in cases of physical abuse. Additionally, the child bore a large red mark around his mouth, which Dwayne Gordon, the child's father, claimed was caused when the boy was biting on his beaker. However, the extent of the injuries suggested a more troubling reality.

At the time of the incident, Gordon was babysitting the child at the mother’s residence in Oxford while she was out for the evening with a friend. During this period, Gordon sent a message to the child's mother, expressing concern or perhaps frustration, stating that the boy’s face was “f***ed.” This message added to the suspicions about the child's condition and prompted further medical investigations.

Following the initial examination, doctors ordered more comprehensive tests, including X-rays, which uncovered that the child had broken bones near both wrists. These injuries had occurred within the past few weeks, indicating ongoing abuse. The child's nursery records revealed that he had arrived at their facility with injuries on more than half a dozen occasions, raising serious questions about his treatment at home. A staff member from the sports group “Soccer Tots” also reported that the boy had attended a session in December 2018 with “deep” bruising and bloodshot eyes, further evidence of physical harm.

During the trial, Dwayne Gordon, aged 34, denied multiple charges, including causing grievous bodily harm and child cruelty. However, he ultimately pleaded guilty on the sixth day of proceedings to charges of actual bodily harm and cruelty. The court heard that the child's mother, Katie Lake, aged 30, had expressed concerns about her son's injuries through messages to Gordon, who was based in Northampton. Despite her concerns, Gordon dismissed or ignored her warnings, allowing the abuse to continue.

It was also revealed that Katie Lake had been involved in a complex situation where she was found in court alongside Gordon, the father of her child, who was born after a one-night stand. At around the same time, another woman also gave birth to Gordon’s child, highlighting a complicated and troubling family dynamic. Lake was accused of “wilfully exposing” her son to the risk of harm and neglect, which contributed to her being charged in connection with the case.

On Thursday, Judge Ian Pringle QC sentenced Dwayne Gordon to 40 months in prison. Gordon, who had prior convictions for aggravated burglary and wounding, was held accountable for his role in the child’s suffering. Meanwhile, Katie Lake received a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete up to 20 probation sessions as part of her sentence. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of child abuse.