IAN BOWER SHAKES BABY IN BIRKENHEAD LEADING TO SERIOUS BRAIN INJURIES
In September 2017, a distressing case unfolded at Liverpool Crown Court involving Ian Bower, a man from Birkenhead, who was accused of causing severe harm to his six-month-old child through an act of violent shaking.The incident, which took place in March 2014, left the infant with critical brain injuries that required urgent medical intervention.
According to court reports, the young baby was brought to Alder Hey Hospital after exhibiting alarming symptoms, including a floppy demeanor and fixed staring eyes.
Medical scans revealed a significant bleed on the child's brain, specifically a subdural haemorrhage, along with retinal haemorrhages.
The severity of the injuries necessitated immediate surgery to relieve intracranial pressure, which was performed nine days after the hospital admission.
The child remained hospitalized for approximately a week before being allowed to return home, and thankfully, he has since made a full recovery.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that Bower, who was 37 years old at the time, steadfastly denied any involvement in causing the injuries.
Despite his denials, suspicion naturally fell on him, especially since he refused to admit to the medical team what had happened.
The situation was further complicated by the fact that social services took the child and his sibling into care following the incident.
A family court, on the balance of probabilities, concluded that Bower was responsible for the injuries, although he initially pleaded not guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm before later changing his plea.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Bower had a prior conviction for assaulting a previous partner, which involved the use of a kettle and a toothbrush holder, driven by intense jealousy.
Additionally, he had received a caution for punching another girlfriend.
These past incidents painted a troubling picture of Bower's history of violence.
Judge David Aubrey, QC, addressed Bower directly during the sentencing, emphasizing the vulnerability and innocence of the child at the time of the assault.
The judge stated, "Your child was vulnerable, your child was tender, your child was precious and your child was in your care to be looked after and nurtured.
In March 2014, you lost your temper, you lost your patience.
You snapped and shook the baby seat upon which your child was sitting with what must have been considerable force albeit but a few seconds.
In consequence of those few seconds, your child's life could have changed forever but not only that, it was a mother’s worst nightmare." While acknowledging that the incident was an isolated lapse in judgment, the judge recognized the potential for devastating consequences.
Given that the incident occurred three years prior and considering the guidelines, Judge Aubrey decided to suspend the two-year prison sentence for two years.
As part of his sentence, Bower was ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work, participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activities, and adhere to a four-month curfew from 8 pm to 6 am.
Prosecutor Andrew Ford provided details of the day of the incident, explaining that Bower was alone with the baby at their Liverpool home on March 22, 2014, while the child's mother was out with their other child.
When she returned, Bower and the mother took the baby to hospital at around 4 pm.
Medical staff observed the child's condition and conducted scans, which confirmed the presence of a brain bleed.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of a moment of loss of control and underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children in the community.
