MICHAEL DABBS FROM BROMBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL BABY ATTACK IN LIVERPOOL

In November 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded involving a man from Bromborough who inflicted serious injuries on a young infant, leading to a significant police investigation and subsequent court proceedings. The perpetrator, Michael Dabbs, aged 29, was responsible for a violent assault on a tiny baby, which included biting her in three separate locations. Despite the severity of the injuries, Dabbs initially denied any involvement, causing the police and the baby’s family considerable distress and confusion.

It was only after a delay of four months that Dabbs took the step of contacting the police himself via email, in which he confessed to the assault. His admission came as a shock to investigators and the family alike, who had been left to speculate about the true cause of the baby's injuries. Dabbs explained that he had begun self-medicating with cocaine following a serious injury sustained while working at Cammell Laird, a shipbuilding company. He described the effects of the drug as causing him to black out, recounting that he remembered the baby smiling and laughing one moment, and then crying loudly the next.

During the court hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Rachel Smith described the attack as “gratuitous violence,” emphasizing the needless brutality involved. She acknowledged the profound impact on the baby’s family, who had been devastated by the incident. The baby had to undergo a medical examination and was placed in foster care, away from her mother, until Dabbs finally admitted his guilt to the authorities.

Dabbs pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. Prosecutor Iain Criddle detailed that the initial bite marks on the baby were noticed by her maternal grandmother, who initially thought they were caused by another child. However, three days later, when the baby was with her paternal grandparents, they observed bite marks on her left shoulder, abdomen, and knee, prompting them to contact social services. Despite denying responsibility at first, Dabbs later emailed the police officer in charge of the investigation, admitting that he was responsible for the injuries. In his own words, he expressed remorse, stating, “I regretted everything I have done from the moment I done them… I don’t remember doing them… I wish I was in control of my actions when under drugs.” He also admitted to feeling unmanly for not facing the consequences earlier but claimed to now be ready to accept responsibility.

The delay in his confession meant that the baby remained away from her mother for a longer period than if Dabbs had come forward sooner. His defense lawyer, John Ballam, highlighted that Dabbs, who has prior convictions, was “absolutely disgusted by his behaviour” and was ashamed. The lawyer noted that Dabbs had no clear explanation for his actions but attributed his drug use to the pain from a broken leg, which had required a steel rod insertion. Dabbs had started taking drugs to manage his pain and occasionally mixed them with alcohol, which he believed contributed to the incident.

Since the incident, Dabbs has voluntarily sought help for his substance abuse issues and is on prescribed medication for his pain. Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Laura Everleigh described the case as “an appalling incident,” noting that Dabbs, under the influence of cocaine, admitted to repeatedly biting the young baby. Fortunately, the injuries were not more severe, but the case remains a stark reminder of the dangers of drug abuse and violent behaviour towards vulnerable victims.