JONATHAN SINFIELD SHAKES BABY IN WEST WOODBURN LEAVING CHILD BRAIN DAMAGED

In June 2022, a disturbing case emerged involving a babysitter named Jonathan Sinfield, who was responsible for the care of a 43-day-old infant in Bath. The incident, which resulted in severe injuries to the young child, has garnered significant attention from the legal and medical communities alike.

According to court proceedings held at Bristol Crown Court, Sinfield, a teacher by profession, was caring for the baby when the injury occurred. Initially, Sinfield reported to authorities that the child had become unwell and had accidentally hit its head against a sofa. However, his account later changed, and he claimed that he had dropped the infant from a height of approximately one meter. Despite these explanations, medical examinations revealed injuries inconsistent with accidental falls or knocks.

Medical experts concluded that the child's injuries were caused by a forceful grip and violent shaking, rather than a simple fall or bump. The baby was found to have bleeding behind the eyes and signs of brain damage, which are indicative of violent shaking, often referred to as shaken baby syndrome. The severity of the injuries was such that the child's future health prospects are uncertain, with ongoing concerns about mobility, sight impairment, and other long-term effects.

During the court proceedings, Sinfield, who was residing in Cradley, Herefordshire at the time, pleaded guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. His admission of guilt was seen as a significant factor in the court's sentencing decision. The prosecution, led by Richard Posner, emphasized that the injuries were consistent with violent shaking, and not accidental trauma. The court also heard that Sinfield initially told police he might have been rough with the child before claiming the child fell to the floor, further complicating his account of events.

Judge William Hart sentenced Sinfield to three years in prison, offering a 25 percent reduction from the maximum five-year sentence due to his guilty plea. In his remarks, the judge expressed disappointment over the delay in Sinfield informing medical professionals about the true cause of the injuries. Judge Hart stated, “I cannot ignore the delay in telling the hospital the mechanism of the baby’s injury. They took many hours to diagnose what happened. If you had the courage to come clean, things could have been different.”

This case highlights the tragic consequences of violent abuse against vulnerable infants and underscores the importance of honesty and prompt reporting in such sensitive situations. The incident in West Woodburn, where Sinfield was caring for the child, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that such acts of violence can have on innocent lives.