ROSS HAMMOND FROM RAMSGATE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER OF 13-MONTH-OLD JADE HART IN KENT

In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ramsgate, a 23-year-old man named Ross Hammond has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of the brutal murder of a 13-month-old girl named Jade Hart. The heinous crime took place in Ramsgate, Kent, and the court proceedings revealed a horrifying pattern of physical and sexual abuse inflicted upon the young child.

According to court reports, Hammond subjected Jade to a relentless campaign of violence, resulting in a total of 117 injuries. The evidence presented during the trial detailed the extent of the child's suffering, which included severe bruising, bite marks, and multiple other injuries. The jury was told that Jade was so terrified of Hammond, who was a labourer residing on Manston Road in Ramsgate, that she would scream at the mere sight of him in the weeks leading up to her death on July 31 of the previous year.

The court heard that Hammond's brutal treatment left Jade with a series of devastating injuries, including a brain haemorrhage, a broken shin bone, nine fractured ribs, a ruptured liver, a burnt foot, and a black eye. Medical experts testified that the fractured ribs were likely caused by severe squeezing or compression, or possibly a punch. The evidence painted a picture of relentless abuse that ultimately led to her tragic death.

On the day of her death, Jade's mother, Sarah Hart, aged 19 and residing on Royal Road in Ramsgate, was found to have neglected her parental duties. She admitted to child cruelty by neglect and was sentenced to a year in a young offenders institution. The court heard that Hart had failed to call emergency services or seek medical help for Jade after Hammond inflicted injuries on her. Instead, she left Jade in Hammond's care at his flat in Staner Court on July 31.

When Hart returned to the flat, she discovered her daughter with head injuries and vomit on her. Despite witnessing these signs of severe trauma, she did not immediately call for an ambulance. It was only after some time that she was convinced to seek medical assistance, but tragically, Jade died within 45 minutes of the ambulance arriving. The court was told that Hart had previously noticed a large bruise on Jade's thigh, which was later confirmed to be caused by a human bite. Over the following days, more bruises and injuries appeared, but Hart believed her boyfriend's explanation that Jade had simply fallen and hurt herself.

Hammond, who had a history of babysitting Jade after reuniting with Hart following her separation from Jade's father from Barking, Essex, was accused of inflicting additional injuries on the child during babysitting sessions. The court revealed that on July 31, Hammond caused a fresh set of injuries, after which Jade was found by her mother to be 'floppy,' frequently falling asleep and vomiting. Despite her condition, Hart did not call for emergency help immediately. Jade was taken to hospital but succumbed to her injuries later that day.

During the sentencing, Judge Fabyan Evans addressed Hammond directly, stating, "I have to take into account your victim was a very young child and in my view she was sexually abused." The courtroom was filled with members of the public who expressed their outrage and sympathy by cheering and clapping as Hammond, who had denied the murder charge, was led away to serve his life sentence. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Ramsgate, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect and abuse of the most vulnerable members of society.