KIERNAN HUGHES-MASON'S BRUTAL ATTACK IN WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA LEADS TO 14-YEAR SENTENCE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex, a former professional footballer, Kiernan Hughes-Mason, was convicted of inflicting severe injuries on a two-year-old girl, injuries so grave that they have left her unable to sit, stand, or walk unaided, and reliant on a feeding tube for nutrition. The incident, which occurred on January 31, 2020, has garnered widespread condemnation, with the victim’s family describing Hughes-Mason as a "violent coward" following his sentencing.

Hughes-Mason, who previously played for Millwall and other clubs, was responsible for caring for the young girl at the time of the attack. According to court proceedings, he called emergency services claiming he had found the girl conscious but unresponsive after hearing a loud bang from her bedroom. When paramedics arrived within nine minutes, they transported her to Southend General Hospital, where her injuries were deemed so severe that she was placed in an induced coma and later transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital for specialized treatment.

Medical examinations revealed a horrifying array of injuries—seventeen in total—spread across her face, chest, back, and legs. These injuries are believed to have been inflicted over a period from October 2019 to January 2020. The medical team concluded that her injuries were consistent with vigorous shaking and blunt force trauma, with some injuries comparable to those sustained in high-speed road traffic accidents or falls from significant heights. The trauma resulted in life-altering brain damage, leaving her unable to communicate effectively and requiring constant care.

During the trial, a doctor testified that the pattern of injuries was indicative of severe child abuse, specifically shaken baby syndrome, with her head having been hit against hard surfaces. The girl’s family shared that her condition has left her with profound physical and mental disabilities. She cannot sit, stand, or walk independently and must be moved with a hoist. Her injuries cause her constant pain, which requires daily management. The brain damage has severely impacted her ability to communicate; she cannot tell her family where she is hurt or what she needs. Additionally, she now suffers from epilepsy, sleep disorders, and difficulties with eating and drinking, necessitating her being tube-fed for all her nutritional and hydration needs.

Hughes-Mason, then 28 years old, was arrested on February 14, 2020, shortly after the incident. During the investigation, authorities seized his phone and uncovered multiple messages sent in the days leading up to the attack, in which he expressed frustration and threats, including the statement, "I'm gonna hit her." Further examination of his communications revealed additional concerning messages such as "she's actually getting on my nerves." These messages played a significant role in building the case against him.

He was charged in November 2022 with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty. Hughes-Mason denied the allegations throughout the legal process, but in August of this year, he was found guilty following a trial at Basildon Crown Court. The court heard that Hughes-Mason had called emergency services claiming to have found the girl unresponsive after hearing a loud noise, but evidence showed that he had inflicted the injuries himself.

Following his conviction, Hughes-Mason was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The victim’s family issued a heartfelt statement, describing her as a child who now faces a lifetime of challenges. They emphasized that her injuries have left her unable to sit, stand, or walk without assistance, and she requires constant medical care. Her brain damage has impaired her ability to communicate, and she suffers from epilepsy, sleep disturbances, and feeding difficulties. The family expressed their grief and anger, stating, "We are thankful that today some form of justice has been achieved, however, this sentence does not compare to the life sentence our little girl now has."

Detective Sergeant Ellie Nudd, from Essex Police’s child abuse investigation team, commented on the case, stating, "Hughes-Mason lied to 999 call handlers, paramedics, police officers, and hospital staff on the day of the incident, immediately trying to cover up his attack. He can only be described as a coward. Most of all, our thoughts are with an immensely brave girl and her family who have worked with us to make sure justice was done. Our county is a safer place now that Hughes-Mason is behind bars."

It was also revealed that Hughes-Mason, who had previously played for Millwall and other clubs including Welling United, Leatherhead, and managed Enfield Borough, was dismissed from his managerial role at Enfield Borough following these revelations. The club stated that they had terminated his employment "in light of recent revelations regarding serious legal matters from [his] past, which were not disclosed during the hiring process."