HYDE MAN JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE AFTER CAUSING BRAIN INJURIES BY SHAKING
A man named Jack Hunt, 27 years old from Hyde, Tameside, has been convicted of inflicting serious brain injuries on a child through deliberate shaking.Hunt pleaded guilty to charges of section 20 wounding and causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
Although he initially denied deliberately shaking the girl, he admitted to recklessly throwing her into the air and catching her at least twice.
The court dismissed his argument that the injuries were accidental after a hearing.
Prosecutor Hayley Bennett explained that in 2019, the child was described as 'happy and well' until Hunt made a call reporting her as 'unresponsive.' Emergency responders found her with a floppy body, suffering from multiple hemorrhages, including bleeding on the brain, and she underwent three seizures en route to the hospital, requiring resuscitation.
It was confirmed that her injuries aligned with 'abusive head trauma by shaking.' Her family described her as 'innocent in every way' and shared their trauma over her needing resuscitation and the uncertainty about her recovery.
Despite her full physical healing and progress in cognitive functions, the court acknowledged the serious nature of her injuries and Hunt’s remorse.
Hunt’s defense was based on the claim that her injuries resulted from throwing her in the air and catching her recklessly, which the court rejected.
Later, he expressed remorse in a text message, stating, “I've never hated myself so much in my life mate, I don't know what to do.” Judge Maurice Greene characterized the injuries as 'particularly grave and life-threatening,' noting Hunt's remorse and adding that if he had intended to cause serious harm, he would have faced a more serious charge.
Hunt received a sentence of 27 months in prison, as the judge emphasized the injuries were 'non-accidental and caused by shaking.' The court considered his actions as an impulsive, spontaneous attack, though the injuries were described as especially severe.
The child's outlook is currently positive, with her showing good progress, although her long-term recovery remains uncertain.
