ROBERT DAVEY AND SARAH VASEY FROM NEWCASTLE AND WALLSEND SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Newcastle and Wallsend, a young toddler suffering from severe heart conditions was subjected to brutal abuse by her own parents. The tragic events unfolded over several weeks, culminating in life-threatening injuries that required urgent medical intervention.

The child's father, Robert Davey, aged 23 and a former cocaine addict, was found to have inflicted repeated blows to the young girl, causing catastrophic internal damage. One of the most severe injuries was a tear in her stomach, which nearly proved fatal. The assault left her with extensive bruising across her face, neck, and body, two broken ribs that were at least two weeks old, and wounds on her hands. These injuries were so severe that they prompted immediate concern from medical professionals.

Her mother, Sarah Vasey, aged 28 and a resident of Wallsend, was implicated in a sinister act of tampering with her daughter's oxygen supply while she was hospitalized recovering from her father's brutal attack. This act of cruelty was revealed during the court proceedings, highlighting the extent of the neglect and abuse inflicted upon the vulnerable child.

The case came to light after the child's condition deteriorated to the point where she turned blue, prompting her caregivers to rush her back to the hospital. Emergency surgeons discovered a hole in her stomach, which had led to peritonitis, an infection of the abdominal wall that posed a significant threat to her life. Further examination revealed two broken ribs, which had been at least two weeks old, indicating ongoing abuse.

During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the jury heard harrowing details of the abuse. It was revealed that Robert Davey had attacked the toddler repeatedly over a period of weeks following her release from hospital after undergoing heart surgeries. Despite witnessing her suffering, Sarah Vasey did nothing to intervene or stop the violence, raising questions about her complicity.

Judge Michael Cartlidge sentenced Robert Davey to 12 years in prison, acknowledging that only the skill and dedication of hospital staff had prevented her death. Sarah Vasey was sentenced to five years for her role in the cruelty and for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm. The judge expressed a disturbing suspicion that Vasey may have taken some form of perverse pleasure in caring for a very sick child, a comment that underscored the gravity of her actions.

Detective Chief Inspector Max Black of Northumbria Police described the case as shocking, emphasizing the betrayal of trust by the very individuals responsible for the child's safety. He stated, “This is a shocking case of abuse of a toddler with severe medical problems by the people she relied on to take care of her.” The community and law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with the tragic implications of this case, which underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children.