PLYMOUTH MAN JAILED FOR SHAKING BABY IN 2019
A man from Plymouth, Liam Connolly, has been sentenced to jail after admitting that he shook a baby, resulting in serious injuries.The incident occurred in August 2019.
During the court hearing, it was revealed that Connolly shook the child 'so violently that he became unconscious and unresponsive,' as stated by Judge Robert Linford.
Emergency services were called to assist the baby, and Connolly performed CPR until the child was taken to hospital, where it was found to have suffered a bleed on the brain.
The baby's condition was initially deemed 'serious and life-threatening,' but over time, the child recovered well and, in 2021, was assessed as 'clinically well within normal development.' Connolly initially denied the offence but pleaded guilty two months before the trial, to the lesser charge of wounding without intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The judge acknowledged that Connolly struggled with mental health issues and depression at the time and that he deeply regrets his actions.
There was a significant delay between the offence and sentencing, which was attributed to various factors outside Connolly's control.
Ultimately, he was sentenced to 32 months in prison, to serve half of which before release.