JOSE HERREROS SHAKES BABY IN MIDLOTHIAN: HORRIFIC CRIME IN NEWTONGRANGE

A care assistant from Midlothian has been found guilty of violently shaking a nine-week-old baby boy, resulting in severe injuries that could have been fatal. The incident took place at a residence in Newtongrange, Midlothian, between May 27 and May 30, 2022, and has shocked the local community and the wider public alike.

Jose Herreros, the accused, was responsible for the care of the infant during this period while the child's mother was hospitalized. According to court proceedings, Herreros physically seized the baby, gripping him tightly, lifting him up, and then violently shaking him multiple times. This brutal act left the young child with a series of devastating injuries, including 11 fractured bones—specifically to his ribs and both legs. The severity of the injuries was such that medical professionals initially expressed concern over the child's survival.

Fortunately, after extensive medical treatment, the baby has made a full recovery, as confirmed during the court hearing. Herreros appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where he pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing severe injury and endangering the child's life. His admission came during a hearing on Thursday, where prosecutors detailed the extent of the harm inflicted.

Prosecutor Matthew Miller provided a detailed account of the assault, explaining that Herreros was entrusted with caring for the infant during a period when the child's mother was hospitalized. The court was told that a health visitor, who visited the property in June 2022, noticed a bruise on the child's cheek. The child was subsequently taken to the Royal Hospital for assessment, where additional injuries were discovered, including bruises on his nose and cheek, along with the fractures.

Further investigations, including skeletal surveys, revealed three fractured ribs and four fractures to each leg. Medical experts concluded that there was no medical explanation for these injuries other than abuse. They determined that the injuries resulted from the child being 'gripped tightly and shaken' over a very short period, estimated at approximately 30 seconds. The trauma inflicted was described as severe and deliberate.

Following the incident, the young victim was placed in emergency foster care for his safety. Herreros later contacted police and social services, admitting to his actions. On June 28, 2022, he sent an email to law enforcement stating, “Can you come and interview me, I think I did the ribs. I have shaken [the child] once and after hearing it was a shake I think it was me. It was ages ago but please come.” During an interview with officers, Herreros further claimed, “I swear on [the child’s] life it wasn’t that hard.”

The sheriff presiding over the case emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating, “Given the nature and the seriousness of this offence I consider a custodial sentence the only appropriate disposal in this case.” As a result, Herreros was sentenced to 21 months in prison. Additionally, he was issued a non-harassment order that prohibits any contact with the child for a period of three years, underscoring the gravity of the crime and the need to protect the young victim from further harm.