JAKE NATHAN MARSHALL FROM ST AUSTELL SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL CHILD ASSAULT IN CORNWALL

A man from Cornwall, specifically from Cosgarne Hall in Truro Road, St Austell, has been handed a significant prison sentence after a harrowing incident involving the assault of a young child. Jake Nathan Marshall, aged 32, was found guilty by a jury at Truro Crown Court of child cruelty stemming from an attack that took place in July 2023. The case was subsequently brought before Exeter Crown Court for sentencing on June 24, 2025.

Prosecutor Tom Bradnock detailed the severity of the assault, suggesting that Marshall may have used his 'shod foot as a weapon' against the four-year-old victim. The court was shown distressing images of the child's injuries, which included extensive bruising and black-and-blue marks, particularly on the child's face. These images underscored the brutal nature of the attack, which the judge described as a 'deliberate assault with significant force.'

During the proceedings, Marshall’s defense lawyer, Ryan Murray, highlighted his client’s ongoing struggles with alcohol and mental health issues. Murray revealed that Marshall consumed up to ten bottles of wine daily and was suffering from anxiety and depression at the time of the incident. Despite these factors, Judge David Evans emphasized that Marshall bore full responsibility for the care of the child at the time of the assault. The judge also noted that only Marshall himself could explain what triggered such a violent outburst.

Judge Evans condemned the act as a 'one-off act of violence' involving multiple blows to a defenseless child's face, who was unable to defend himself. The court described the attack as particularly heinous, given the vulnerability of the young victim. Marshall, who had no prior criminal convictions, was sentenced to 16 months in prison. Additionally, he was issued a three-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the child or the child's family.

The judge concluded the hearing by urging Marshall to confront the truth of his actions and to acknowledge the gravity of what he did that day, emphasizing the importance of accountability and reflection in the pursuit of justice.