MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO MURDER NEWBORN BY SHAKING JAILED
A 28-year-old man who attempted to murder a newborn by shaking him and pinching his face has been sentenced to seven years in prison.Stuart Flood, from Elgin, was convicted at the High Court in Dundee after a jury found him guilty of the murder bid that left the child with severe injuries.
The incident occurred over a three-month period starting when the boy was just 14 days old, at an address in Bucksburn, Aberdeen.
Flood denied the charge, claiming that the child's injuries may have resulted from two accidental incidents for which he accepted responsibility, though he maintained he did not cause the injuries intentionally.
He was found guilty of attempting to murder the child by shaking and inflicting trauma that led to severe injuries, permanent disfigurement, and the threat to his life.
The court was told that Flood attacked the baby on various occasions between April 29 and July 23, 2021, causing injuries that required emergency surgery after initial hospitalization in Aberdeen and subsequent transfer to Glasgow.
The judge, Paul Brown, emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, "You stand convicted of the attempted murder of a completely vulnerable infant.
The injuries inflicted were very serious indeed.
Thankfully there has been a good recovery but there will be a lasting impact from your actions.
I take into account your age, your lack of previous convictions and your previous good character.
However, there is no appropriate alternative to a substantial custodial sentence, given the grave nature of this crime." The jury also ruled that Flood had shaken the child and inflicted trauma that caused severe injury, demonstrating an attempt to murder, despite Flood's denial of causation and his explanations regarding initial incidents.
The court was informed that Flood had offered a reduced charge not involving attempted murder before the trial, which he rejected.
The incident left the child with significant injuries, and the severity of the case was underscored by the judge's comments about the lasting effects and the need for a custodial sentence.
