KENNETH HENDERSON SHAKES BABY IN BOSTON AND IS JAILED FOR TWO YEARS

In April 2008, a tragic incident unfolded in Boston that resulted in a man being sentenced to prison for a severe act of child cruelty. Kenneth Henderson, aged 36, was found guilty of shaking a 32-day-old infant so violently that the child now suffers from permanent and severe learning disabilities. The incident came to light after Henderson dialled emergency services, calling 999, which led to the baby's discovery in a dire state.

Paramedics responded swiftly to the scene at a property located on Argyll Street in Boston. When they arrived, they found the infant in a critical condition—blue in color and not breathing. The child was immediately transported to Boston's Pilgrim Hospital for initial treatment. Due to the severity of the injuries, the baby was subsequently transferred to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham for specialized care. The medical team diagnosed the infant with a brain haemorrhage, a fractured skull, and two broken legs. These injuries were consistent with being violently shaken and then forcibly placed onto a hard surface, which caused additional trauma.

During court proceedings, Henderson admitted to the charges of child cruelty. His partner, Kerry Storey, aged 32, also pleaded guilty to neglect charges related to the incident. Storey explained to the court that she was away at bingo when the incident occurred, implying her absence at the critical moment. Henderson, on the other hand, acknowledged that he had 'momentarily snapped' during the incident.

Prosecutor Felicity Gerry described the events, stating, “Henderson lost it and shook the child. He spent the afternoon on the phone to finance companies either side of the shaking.” She emphasized the long-term impact of the injuries, warning that despite medical intervention, the child was likely to face profound and lasting problems.

In mitigation, Stephen Clayton, representing Henderson, highlighted that his client often worked long hours, including ten-hour night shifts, up to six days a week, which may have contributed to his emotional state. Following the guilty pleas, Henderson was sentenced to two years in prison on Friday. Judge John Machin, presiding over the case, addressed Henderson directly, stating, “I don’t need to remind you what profound and long-term damage you have done to this baby.”

As for Kerry Storey, who admitted to two charges of neglect, she received a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. Additionally, she was ordered to complete a two-year supervision program and participate in the probation service’s enhancing thinking skills programme, aimed at addressing underlying issues related to her neglectful behavior.