STEVEN MACAULAY FROM WORKINGTON JAILED FOR SHAKING NINE-WEEK-OLD BABY IN CUMBRIA

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of West Cumbria, Steven Macaulay, aged 30 and residing on Moss Bay Road in Workington, has been sentenced to prison for inflicting severe harm on a nine-week-old infant. The incident, which took place in 2017, involved Macaulay being left alone with the vulnerable baby at a residence in Workington, Cumbria, when another adult returned to the scene to find the infant in a critically compromised state.

According to court reports, at the time the baby was discovered, its condition was dire. The infant’s eyes were closed, its entire body was limp, and it was emitting a moaning sound, indicating significant distress and injury. Emergency services were promptly called, and the baby was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Whitehaven for immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of the injuries, the child was subsequently transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where specialists in head injuries conducted further assessments.

Medical examinations revealed that the infant had suffered bleeding behind the eyes and in the brain stem, injuries that medical professionals confirmed could only have been caused by non-accidental trauma. Prosecutor Tim Evans explained that the injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, a condition resulting from violent shaking that causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to catastrophic damage. The force of the shaking was so severe that both retinas detached, although they later healed naturally. The baby was temporarily blinded for approximately two months, but it appeared that sight was eventually restored.

Despite the physical recovery, concerns about the child's developmental progress remain. Judge James Adkin noted that the extent of the infant’s developmental delays could not be fully evaluated until the child reached school age, highlighting the long-term impact of the injuries sustained.

During the court proceedings, Macaulay admitted to causing grievous bodily harm to the infant. The court heard that he has a history of angry outbursts, although there was no previous record of violence directed at people. In sentencing, Judge Adkin sentenced Macaulay to 30 months in prison, emphasizing the gravity of his actions. The judge stated, “The injuries you caused were significant and life-threatening,” and further remarked, “In my judgement, there could be no more vulnerable victim than this infant.” The case has left a lasting mark on the community of Workington and underscores the devastating consequences of child abuse.