“WE MOURN CHILDREN STILL ALIVE”: BABY ATTACKER AVOIDS PRISON
Reece Twycross has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence after the court heard how he almost snapped the neck of a six-week-old baby during a loss of temper and physically abused a second child, leaving both youngsters traumatised.The sentencing took place on Monday 5th January 2026 where the court was told the violence caused serious physical risk and profound psychological harm to the children.
Family members said the six-week-old infant narrowly avoided catastrophic injury, while the couple’s one-year-old daughter was also assaulted, leaving her deeply distressed and fearful.
In an emotional statement released after the hearing, relatives said: “Their mother and our family had to mourn two babies that are, thank God, still alive and healthy — but we will never see them again.
We’ve lost them because this man couldn’t control his temper.” The court heard that Twycross’s actions were carried out in anger, with no regard for the extreme vulnerability of the children, and that the impact of the abuse will remain with them long after the case has concluded.
Despite the severity of the offending, Twycross avoided immediate custody.
The 18-month sentence was suspended, meaning he will only be jailed if he breaches strict conditions imposed by the court.
Those conditions include: a prohibition on contact with the children, mandatory anger-management and behavioural programmes, and ongoing supervision by probation services.
The outcome has triggered anger and disbelief among relatives, who say the punishment fails to reflect the seriousness of the harm caused.
Family members say the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.
Relatives and the children’s mother contest Twycross’s version of events, maintaining that the abuse was sustained, frightening, and life-changing.
In statements released after sentencing, family members described a pattern of violent and coercive behaviour behind closed doors, including shaking a baby, screaming at the children, threats, and controlling conduct that left the mother fearful and isolated.
They said the six-week-old baby narrowly avoided catastrophic injury, while the one-year-old was also physically assaulted, leaving both children traumatised.
One family statement said: “What happened behind closed doors was terrifying and controlled by fear.
To the outside world he appeared harmless, but inside our home was a different reality.” The mother described years of involvement with police, social services, contact centres, and the family courts, which culminated in the children being adopted in 2023.
She said the suspended sentence caused her to relive the trauma of losing her children, and she had expected an immediate custodial sentence.
She stated: “He is free to live his life.
My children live with the consequences of what was done to them forever.” The decision to suspend the prison term has sparked anger and disbelief among family members, who argue the punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the harm or the long-term impact.
UKNIP notes that while Twycross disputes certain descriptions of the events and restrictions, the conviction and sentence remain a matter of public record.
The case highlights the often starkly different perspectives between offenders and victims, with lasting consequences beyond the courtroom.
If affected, support is available through NSPCC, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, and Samaritans.
