2003: PAIR JAILED FOR CRUELTY TO BABY
A young couple was imprisoned after a baby girl was found with injuries including burns and bruises that remained untreated for four days.The girl had burn marks on her buttocks, legs, and the bottoms of her feet.
Despite her serious condition, Stephen O'Flynn, aged 20, and Juliet Robinson, aged 20, did not take her to a doctor immediately after discovering her injuries at their home in Worcester.
Robinson was overcome with tears and trembling when sentenced to 60 days detention, while O'Flynn, a former drug addict with a violent record, was sentenced to 75 days.
Prosecutor Michael Burrows told the court that a doctor confirmed the burns were consistent with repeated contact with a hot, rod-like object, which was not found, and that bruises appeared to be caused by a belt or buckle.
O'Flynn stated that the burns resulted from an accidental fall where the child was caught between a chair and a faulty radiator at his residence on Britannia Road, denying he inflicted injuries intentionally.
Robinson tried to treat the burns herself but was prompted to take the girl to hospital four days later after she was suspected to be slipping into a coma.
Both individuals pleaded guilty to child cruelty through neglecting her medical care.
Judge David Matthews pointed out that some injuries were not accidental, noting that both defendants lied multiple times to police regarding the timing of the injuries.
The police had to force entry into the flat as the couple refused to open the door while lying in bed.
The judge condemned their failure to seek immediate medical assistance, calling it an appalling breach of their duty.
It was also established that the injuries occurred in November 2001.
O'Flynn admitted to police that he had physically hit the child, and Robinson was also implicated in the case.
