LUKE KERWIN FROM SINFIN SENTENCED FOR SHAKING HIS SON IN DERBY

In October 2014, a tragic case unfolded in Sinfin, where Luke Kerwin, a 25-year-old man residing on Athol Close, was sentenced to a prison term of three years and two months after admitting to causing severe injuries to his infant son, Mason. The incident, which took place in the early hours of April 5 of that year, resulted in Mason suffering catastrophic brain damage, leaving him with lifelong disabilities.

During the court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Judge Jonathan Gosling addressed Kerwin directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. He stated, "You were in a position of trust. This was your baby, and at that moment, you were his sole carer. You abused that trust." The judge’s words underscored the betrayal of parental responsibility and the devastating consequences of Kerwin’s conduct.

In a rare and emotionally charged moment, Olivia Shaw, a 23-year-old mother from Littleover and Mason’s mother, took the stand to deliver a personal statement. Her voice trembling with emotion, she recounted the profound impact that the incident has had on her life. She expressed feelings of overwhelming guilt, revealing her sense of helplessness in the face of her son’s suffering. Shaw explained, “Because of what Luke did to Mason, I realize I am going to put my own life on hold for years. We are cut off from life, deprived from being able to bond properly as mother and child. I dread going to sleep and not waking up in case he has a seizure. I feel totally overwhelmed with guilt because I was not able to help him.”

The court heard that Kerwin’s violent act involved breaking two of Mason’s ribs by shaking him in a moment of anger. The incident was reportedly triggered when Kerwin, who had been out with a friend and had smoked cannabis, returned home and went to bed, leaving Mason in his cot. Shaw checked on Mason twice during the night, but after he cried a third time, she asked Kerwin to check on him. When Kerwin looked into Mason’s cot, he found the baby making strange grunting sounds, with his head flopping and his legs moving as if he was cycling. This alarming behavior prompted Shaw to become hysterical, leading to an emergency call and Mason’s swift transfer to hospital.

Medical scans revealed that Mason had suffered severe brain injuries, including multiple fractures and brain trauma. The injuries were described as catastrophic, with doctors diagnosing him with severe epilepsy. The prognosis was grim: Mason was unlikely to walk and required a nasal gastric tube to administer medication. The court was informed that Mason’s injuries would likely leave him entirely dependent on caregivers for the rest of his life. During the police investigation, both Shaw and Kerwin were arrested. Shaw was granted limited and supervised access to Mason, who was being cared for by Shaw’s mother at the time.

Kerwin’s defense attorney, Bobby Egbuna, acknowledged his client’s awareness of the severity of his actions. He stated, “It is accepted that Mr. Kerwin did not intend to cause the injuries Mason suffered. He has to live with the consequences and, in his own way, has suffered for what was a momentary lapse. He will carry the stigma of this incident for the rest of his life.”

This case highlights the tragic consequences of parental violence and the devastating impact on innocent children and their families. Mason’s future remains uncertain, but the court’s decision underscores the seriousness of such acts and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from harm.