MICHAEL FINLAY'S BRUTAL CRIMES AGAINST BABY IN LENZIE: SHOCKING ABUSE IN EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

In June 2019, a disturbing case of child abuse emerged from Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, involving Michael Finlay, a 34-year-old man whose violent actions towards a defenseless infant have shocked the local community and the wider public alike.

According to court proceedings, Finlay subjected the baby to relentless physical assaults from the moment she was born. The court heard that his violent behavior included shaking her uncontrollably and inflicting severe injuries, such as a fractured skull. One particularly egregious incident took place on Christmas Day in 2017, when Finlay is alleged to have caused additional harm to the child.

Jurors were told that Finlay’s temper would often flare uncontrollably, especially when the baby cried. Witnesses described how he would lose control and shout at the infant to 'shut up,' displaying a disturbing lack of restraint. The prosecution’s case detailed how injuries to the child were not accidental but the result of deliberate acts of violence, including pushing and shaking.

Medical experts testified that the injuries sustained by the baby were consistent with non-accidental trauma. The court was shown evidence of bruises and other signs of physical abuse, which had been documented in medical reports. The prosecution highlighted that Finlay had been warned about his handling of the child, with her mother sending him a text message cautioning him to be careful so she would not suffer more knocks, to which he responded, “I know, babe.”

Further concern was raised when the baby’s aunt noticed injuries on the child and sent a message to Finlay. During the trial, it was revealed that Finlay dismissed concerns about the injuries, replying with a callous “s*** happens” in reference to a bruise that had been discovered earlier.

On Christmas morning, 2017, Finlay was also accused of causing bruises and a skull fracture by holding the baby too tightly and inflicting blunt force trauma. He was unable to explain the origin of a lump on her head, which added to the evidence of ongoing abuse.

Finlay was found guilty of multiple counts of assault causing severe injury and endangering the child's life. The court heard that he would frequently lose control and lash out at the infant whenever she cried, indicating a pattern of violent and reckless behavior.

Sheriff Norman Ritchie QC stated that he was considering referring the case to the High Court for sentencing, given the severity of the crimes. Meanwhile, Finlay was remanded in custody as the case was adjourned for further reports and assessments to be prepared before sentencing proceedings could continue.