RIZWAN PATEL AND ALLIAH BRADSHAW FROM HEBDEN BRIDGE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IN BRADFORD

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community, the parents of a severely abused infant, Rizwan Patel and Alliah Bradshaw, faced justice in Bradford Crown Court for their roles in the horrific mistreatment of their young daughter, known as Baby H. The case highlights serious failures by social services in protecting a vulnerable child despite her being on the at-risk register and under continuous surveillance.

Baby H, who is now two and a half years old, endured unimaginable cruelty from her parents, who resided in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. By the time she was just six weeks old, she had suffered nine fractured ribs, two broken legs, and a fractured collarbone. These injuries were inflicted through violent shaking and rough handling, with evidence indicating that her father, Rizwan Patel, 27, was responsible for some of the most severe harm, including shaking her violently, which caused the fractures. Patel pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

Her mother, Alliah Bradshaw, 29, also admitted to child cruelty through neglect and was sentenced to three years. Despite her history of drug addiction and previous loss of custody of her two older children, social workers continued to monitor her and her family for at least five years. Bradshaw’s prior record included her children being taken away due to neglect and her being found in dangerous circumstances, such as her first child being rescued from a burning crack den and her second child being removed after being found wandering the streets in a state of neglect.

It was revealed that social services from Calderdale Council had been 'determined to keep a watchful eye' on Baby H because of her mother’s troubling history. Nevertheless, it was deemed 'appropriate' for her to remain with her parents, despite the risks. The couple received regular visits from health and support workers following Baby H’s birth in January 2007. These visits continued until early March 2009, when Baby H was finally taken to hospital after her condition worsened.

On March 1, Bradshaw left Patel to meet her ex-partner and sit in a park smoking crack cocaine. During her absence, Patel, described as inexperienced, lost his temper and shook Baby H, resulting in multiple fractures. The infant was in obvious pain, but no medical help was sought at that time. Over the following days, Baby H’s condition deteriorated; she began passing blood, coughing, and vomiting. Despite repeated advice from health professionals urging the parents to take her to the hospital for X-rays and treatment, they ignored these warnings.

It was not until March 5 that Patel finally took Baby H to their local GP. The doctors immediately became concerned about her appearance, describing her as 'grey,' and she was rushed by ambulance to Calderdale Royal Infirmary. There, she was diagnosed with meningitis, septicaemia, and the injuries sustained from abuse. The severity of her condition was shocking: she had multiple fractures, bruises, and signs of serious illness. As a result of her injuries and medical condition, she now requires ongoing care, including surgical implants for her deafness, leg splints, daily physiotherapy, and a special sleeping device due to her asymmetrical body.

Judge Jonathan Rose condemned the parents’ neglect and failure to seek medical attention, describing their actions as 'inexplicable, deplorable, and indefensible.' He emphasized that their neglect had caused long-term, catastrophic consequences for Baby H, condemning her to a future of suffering and constant care. The judge highlighted the tragic irony that despite the child being on the at-risk register, the system failed to protect her adequately.

The court also heard about Bradshaw’s troubled history with social services. Her first child was rescued from a crack den where she had left him in the care of drug users, and he was later removed from her care after being found wandering the streets in a neglected state. Her second child was taken away in March 2003 due to her ongoing drug addiction. These prior incidents underscored the ongoing pattern of neglect and substance abuse that ultimately contributed to Baby H’s suffering, revealing a disturbing cycle of parental failure and systemic shortcomings.