LIAM CUMMINGS INVERNESS CRIME: TODDLER ATTACK WITH SPANNER LEADS TO PRISON SENTENCE

In the autumn of 2017, a disturbing incident unfolded in Inverness involving Liam Cummings, a 29-year-old man who was entrusted with the care of a vulnerable young girl. Instead of fulfilling his responsibilities, Cummings committed a brutal assault on the toddler, inflicting injuries that would leave lasting scars. The attack was carried out with a spanner, a tool typically associated with plumbing and heating work, which Cummings, a plumbing and heating engineer by profession, used as a weapon against the innocent child.

According to court proceedings, Cummings deliberately targeted the young girl, causing her excruciating pain by breaking her thigh bone, specifically her femur. The injury was severe, and the pain described as intense and unbearable. The incident shocked the local community and prompted a thorough investigation. It was revealed that Cummings was supposed to be caring for the girl at the time, raising questions about his judgment and intentions.

At Inverness Sheriff Court, Cummings faced justice for his actions. A jury found him guilty of the charge of causing grievous bodily harm to the child. Sheriff Ian Cruickshank, presiding over the case, did not hold back in his condemnation. He stated, “You chose to inflict pain and suffering on a vulnerable child you were supposed to be looking after.“ The sheriff emphasized the gravity of the offense, describing the pain inflicted as significant and excruciating. He made it clear that such acts of cruelty warrant serious punishment, underscoring that no child should ever be subjected to such suffering.

Despite Cummings’ insistence on his innocence, his defense lawyer, Bill Adam, argued that the report’s author had strongly recommended that Cummings, a first-time offender, be spared from jail and instead receive a non-custodial sentence. The report suggested alternative punishments, but the sheriff dismissed this plea, asserting that the facts of the case left no room for leniency. Consequently, Cummings was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

The court also heard about the child's ongoing medical struggles. The young girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, suffers from complex health issues and poor bone health, which experts believe may have contributed to the severity of her fracture. She was hospitalized from October 28 to November 17, 2017, undergoing two types of traction and requiring morphine for pain management. Her recovery has been arduous, involving multiple surgeries and the use of medical aids. Her mother described the impact on her education, social life, and family time, noting that the child is awaiting another operation to remove the metal implants in her leg.

During the sentencing, Cummings’ lawyer acknowledged the community backlash following his conviction. The family of the victim has considered relocating due to the social repercussions. Although Cummings maintains his innocence, he has expressed remorse for the pain and suffering caused, which was met with mixed reactions from the court and the victim’s family.

The mother of the injured girl was present in court to witness the sentencing. She was visibly emotional, bursting into tears as Cummings was led away to serve his sentence. She was comforted by friends and family members who attended to support her during this difficult moment. Speaking afterward, she expressed relief that justice had been served, stating, “Me and my family finally have got closure.“ She added that the ordeal has been a “rollercoaster” over the past five and a half years, with her and her oldest daughter, who witnessed the assault, suffering mental health issues that require ongoing support.

Reflecting on the long legal process, the mother revealed her frustration with Cummings’ persistent denial of guilt. “It was very upsetting that he was pleading not guilty when he knew he did it,” she said. The trial, which spanned over five years with multiple adjournments, was emotionally taxing for the family, especially her older daughter, who has endured significant trauma. The injuries sustained by her daughter include a hip dislocation and a leg length discrepancy caused by reconstructive surgeries. She faces the possibility of further operations to maintain her mobility and prevent complications.

Throughout the aftermath, the young girl continues to experience discomfort and medical challenges. Her mother detailed the ongoing need for X-rays, doctor visits, and specialized equipment to assist her daughter’s mobility. The family has been unable to go on holidays due to her medical appointments, which adds to their emotional strain. The mother expressed her hope for her daughter’s recovery and questioned the motives behind Cummings’ actions, seeking answers as to why her family and daughter were targeted in such a violent manner.