RICHARD HARDWICK AND SHOCKING BABY ATTACK IN NORTHUMBERLAND
In Northumberland, a tragic and disturbing case has come to light involving Richard Hardwick, a former RAF engineer, who inflicted severe injuries on his three-month-old son, leaving the infant with potentially lifelong brain trauma.The child's family endured a harrowing ordeal as doctors at the John Radcliffe Hospital in September 2019 urgently treated the delicate baby.
The medical team diagnosed him with a brain haemorrhage, a detached retina, and multiple fractured ribs.
These injuries were described as life-threatening, prompting immediate and comprehensive medical interventions.
The severity of his condition was such that doctors conveyed to his family numerous times that the child might not survive the injuries they were facing, emphasising that the next 48 hours would be critical for his chances of recovery.
Despite the gravity of the child's injuries, Richard Hardwick, who has prior convictions unrelated to this incident, was only sentenced to 22 months in prison for causing grievous bodily harm.
The decision came after the Crown Prosecution Service opted not to pursue more serious charges such as wounding with intent or attempted murder.
The court proceedings revealed a strong sense of outrage from the judiciary.
Recorder John Hardy KC expressed his disbelief and frustration, stating to prosecutor Corinne Bramwell, “It should have been a section 18 [wounding with intent] if not attempted murder.” The judge further admitted, “As a human being it sticks in my gut.” Throughout the court hearing, prosecutors detailed how Hardwick, who served in the Royal Air Force for twenty years and was based at Benson, initially sought to shift blame onto others.
When arrested, he claimed that his wife and a childminder were the primary caregivers, attempting to divert responsibility for the injuries inflicted upon his son.
On Friday afternoon at Oxford Crown Court, Hardwick was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.
This sentence represented the maximum allowable prison time after considering his early guilty plea.
Recorder Hardy commented on the sentence, saying, “The single count on the indictment to which you have pleaded guilty compels me to sentence you to a term of imprisonment that members of the public would rightly regard as woefully inadequate for this horrific crime.” The judge also expressed bewilderment, noting, “I am at a loss to understand why other, more serious charges were not preferred against you.” The court was told that the child first arrived at the hospital on September 2, 2019, with injuries so severe that a doctor believed they resulted from shaking or brutal force.
As the child's condition worsened, he was transferred again to the John Radcliffe Hospital on September 14, where scans confirmed a brain bleed highly suggestive of shaking.
The medical team documented approximately seven broken ribs, a detached retina, and considerable bruising.
The injuries had significant long-term effects on the child's development.
It was noted that he now faced various educational challenges, and a subsequent assessment at age two indicated he possessed speech and language skills comparable to a baby.
The family expressed the devastating impact these injuries had not only on his health but also on his future prospects.
Family members who attended court read a victim personal statement, portions of which were presented by Judge Hardy.
They described the anguish caused by the lengthy court process and labeled Hardwick’s actions a “vile, unthinkable crime.” The emotional toll on the family was palpable, and they underscored the dedication and love shown by those caring for the young victim.
Addressing the public gallery, where the child's relative was seated alongside a friend, Judge Hardy acknowledged the extraordinary love and care given to the child since the incident.
He remarked, “This court cannot let this case pass without observing that [the victim] has had the most outstanding love and care and attention from those who now look after him.” The judge also expressed disappointment over the CPS’s decision to charge Hardwick with causing grievous bodily harm instead of a more serious offence.
Had the latter been pursued, he explained, Hardwick could have been classified as a dangerous offender, potentially leading to an extended sentence.
Such a classification would have mandated that Hardwick spend more time in custody, including a lengthy period on license with supervision by the probation service.
The legal conditions for an extended sentence were clearly met, and the court viewed Hardwick as posing a significant risk to public safety.
However, due to legal constraints related to his guilty plea, the court could not impose a longer sentence, limiting the prison term to just under four years.
During the hearing, a mitigation statement was read out by Julian Lynch, who noted that Hardwick had shown some remorse in admitting guilt, albeit late, and that he had suffered a mental breakdown and unplanned outbursts.
Lynch questioned the nearly three-year delay in bringing charges, suggesting that the process had been unduly prolonged.
Upon hearing of Hardwick’s intention to apologize, Recorder Hardy responded sharply, advising Hardwick that any apology should remain private and warning that no words could mitigate the severity of such a crime.
“No apology can possibly do anything to mitigate an offence of this nature,” he emphasized.
Hardwick, currently serving time at HMP Northumberland, had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm in a separate hearing.
That earlier conviction was for sexual offences, though specifics were not disclosed by prosecutors.
His current sentence will conclude next year.
Following the sentencing, the child's relative reflected on the toddler, describing him as a “giggly” and “absolutely adorable” child who had captured everyone's hearts.
When asked whether justice had been fully served, she expressed skepticism, stating, “No.
He nearly killed a baby; there are drug dealers who get much longer sentences.” Her words underscored her frustration and disappointment with the outcome of the case.
