MARK WEATHERALL FROM BIRTLEY GREEN SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD CRUELTY NEAR GUILDFORD

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the local community and the wider public, Mark Weatherall, a 24-year-old labourer from Birtley Green near Guildford, Surrey, was sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of heinous acts of child cruelty. The incident came to light when a young mother, out of curiosity, played a DVD at her home in Guildford and was horrified to discover footage depicting her 15-month-old son being subjected to severe abuse.

The footage showed the defenseless toddler crying and visibly distressed as Weatherall, who was acquainted with the child's family, carried out a series of cruel acts. The young mother watched in horror as her baby was slapped across the face, poked repeatedly, and hit with a ball thrown at his head multiple times. The video also revealed that Weatherall had picked up the infant by one leg and dropped him, actions that left the court and witnesses deeply shaken.

The Crown Court heard that Weatherall had recorded these acts either on a mobile phone or a webcam before downloading the footage onto a disc, which ultimately led to his arrest and prosecution. The court was shown the graphic home movie in a hushed courtroom, where the severity of the abuse was palpable. Witnesses described the scene as a form of torture, with one member of the public present in the courtroom fleeing in tears after witnessing the distressing images.

Judge Christopher Critchlow, presiding over the case, condemned Weatherall’s actions in his sentencing remarks. He stated, “Anybody watching that would be appalled by what you did,” emphasizing the brutality of the acts. The judge further remarked, “It was a form of torture. It is difficult to understand why anyone could do such a thing to a defenseless 15-month-old baby in his cot.”

The court was informed that Weatherall committed these sick acts in December of the previous year while alone with the child. It was also revealed that Weatherall had been using cannabis at the time of the offences, which may have contributed to his behavior. Prosecutor Wendy Cottee described the incident as “a very disturbing case,” noting that the child had not sustained any visible injuries but had been psychologically affected. The child now exhibits a tendency to slap adults in the face, indicating possible emotional trauma.

Weatherall pleaded guilty to the charges of child cruelty and was sentenced to 12 months in prison. As part of his punishment, he was also banned from working with children in the future. The court heard that Weatherall’s actions were documented through recordings, which led to his discovery and subsequent prosecution. The judge highlighted the disturbing nature of the recordings, stating, “People would also be appalled that you should film these acts of violence.”

Defense attorney David Smith acknowledged Weatherall’s difficult upbringing, mentioning that he had experienced violence from an adult during childhood. However, he emphasized the seriousness of the offence and the impact on the victim’s family, who had shown Weatherall kindness in the past. The court’s ruling reflects the gravity of the case and the community’s outrage over such cruelty inflicted upon a vulnerable child in Guildford.