JOHN ROBINSON FROM SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA JAILED FOR SHOCKING ATTACK ON SEVEN-WEEK-OLD DAUGHTER IN EAST CLEVELAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and the wider Teesside area, John Robinson, aged 23, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of inflicting severe injuries on his seven-week-old daughter, Grace Bowstead. The incident occurred in East Cleveland, where Robinson was the sole caregiver at the time of the attack.

According to court reports, the infant was discovered in a critical state, appearing 'floppy' and unresponsive when emergency services arrived at her home in East Cleveland. Paramedics described her condition as dire, noting that she was not breathing properly and appeared to be close to death. The child's pallor was described as 'white,' and she showed no signs of crying or responding to stimuli, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Medical examinations revealed that Grace had sustained a double fracture to her skull, including a significant depressed fracture on the left side. There was also evidence of bleeding on the brain, along with bruising on her face and her left arm. These injuries indicated a violent impact, and the medical team at James Cook University Hospital confirmed that her injuries were consistent with being shaken and struck with considerable force against a hard object. The severity of her condition was such that her life was at risk, but fortunately, she eventually made a full recovery, a fact that was acknowledged during the court proceedings.

During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, jurors heard that the injuries sustained by Grace could not be explained as accidental. Prosecutor Richard Bennett emphasized that the injuries were consistent with a deliberate act of violence, specifically pointing to shaking and forceful contact with a hard surface. Robinson, who resided on Byland Road in Skelton, denied any involvement in causing the injuries. He claimed that he was feeding and winding the baby when she suddenly 'flopped back,' suggesting that he was not responsible for her injuries.

Robinson maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that he had no reason to lose his temper or to harm his daughter. He stated, “I was feeding and winding the baby when she ‘flopped back’,” and insisted he could not explain how she was injured. Despite his denials, the jury found him guilty of causing grievous bodily harm, though he was acquitted of the more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Instead, he was convicted of the lesser charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Judge Sean Morris addressed Robinson directly, condemning his actions and highlighting the gravity of the offense. He remarked, “You had the care of a vulnerable small child, and the jury was satisfied that you lost your control and inflicted serious harm upon her.” The judge acknowledged the positive outcome that the child had recovered fully but warned that the incident could have had a far more tragic outcome. He described the attack as a “nasty, cowardly offence” and emphasized that Robinson’s behavior was unacceptable, especially given his role as a caregiver.

While considering the circumstances, Judge Morris decided against a suspended sentence, citing Robinson’s previous good character, mitigating factors, and the unacceptable delay in the case. Ultimately, Robinson was sentenced to one year in prison, with the judge stating that he would serve half of that term. The judge also noted that a custodial sentence was inevitable, given the seriousness of the offense and the evidence presented.

In a related incident from August 2017, Robinson was also involved in a separate case concerning injuries to his daughter. During that trial, he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm by a lesser charge after a jury deliberation that lasted just over three hours. The court heard that the child had a slight bruise to her left eye during an earlier incident, which Robinson claimed was caused by accidentally dropping a remote control on her. He explained that he had left her sleeping in a car seat while he watched television, only to wake up to her screaming and find the remote control on the floor.

Judge Sean Morris, who presided over that case as well, ordered a report before sentencing and indicated that Robinson should expect a custodial sentence. He emphasized the seriousness of the matter but also acknowledged that the child's recovery was a positive aspect of the case. Robinson, who had no previous convictions, was granted bail pending sentencing scheduled for September 18, during which the court would consider all factors before determining the appropriate punishment.