LUKE HONEYCHURCH SHAKES BABY IN SALTASH AND PLYMOUTH LEAVING HIM BRAIN DAMAGED

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Plymouth and Saltash, a young father named Luke Honeychurch, aged 24, was sentenced to prison for inflicting severe harm on his four-month-old son, Romeo. The incident, which occurred in June 2014, involved Honeychurch violently shaking the infant, resulting in catastrophic injuries that will affect Romeo for the rest of his life.

According to court records, Honeychurch’s actions were triggered by his frustration when Romeo began crying while his mother was away for the evening. Instead of seeking immediate medical assistance or calling emergency services, Honeychurch chose to ignore the severity of the situation. It was only when Romeo’s mother returned home to Saltash that the extent of the injuries was realized, prompting her to rush the baby to Bristol Children’s Hospital for urgent care.

Medical examinations revealed that Romeo had sustained brain damage, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and epilepsy—conditions that will require ongoing medical treatment and lifelong support. The court heard that Honeychurch’s behavior was not only violent but also neglectful, as he failed to seek help or notify authorities after the incident.

During the proceedings at Truro Crown Court, Honeychurch pleaded guilty to a charge of cruelty to a child. Judge Simon Carr described the case as “truly tragic,” emphasizing the cruelty involved. The judge recounted that Honeychurch would often shout and swear at his infant son, further highlighting the abusive environment.

Judge Carr also condemned Honeychurch’s failure to act responsibly after the shaking incident. He stated, “What makes this case even worse is what you did after [you shook him]. You would have realized immediately something was potentially very seriously wrong with your son. Rather than doing what you should have done, which was call 999 immediately, you hoped to cover up what you had done.”

As a result of his actions, Honeychurch was sentenced to three years in prison. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, and Romeo’s medical condition underscores the devastating consequences of child abuse. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of immediate medical intervention and the devastating effects of violence against children.