LIAM REEVES OF STOKE-ON-TRENT JAILED FOR CRUELTY TO BABY

In September 2017, Liam Reeves, a 20-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to six years in prison after breaking a baby's ribs through shaking and squeezing the crying infant. Reeves will serve half of his sentence behind bars, with the remaining time on licence. He was originally detained after punching the toddler in the stomach outside a supermarket. The injured infant was transported to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where a CT scan revealed healing rib fractures. During the court hearing at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, medics indicated that the injuries were estimated to be between 10 and 21 days old. Prosecutor Adrian Fleming stated, “A CT scan showed healing fractures to the ribs. Rib fractures are very rare in infants of a certain age. Accidental rib fractures are extremely rare.” Reeves, who had no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Judge Fletcher commented on the case, saying, “This was an horrific offence. You are described by your own counsel as inadequate and ill-equipped, and you were.”