HUDDERSFIELD MAN WINSTON BRAMMALL SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON TODDLER IN HUDDERSFIELD
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Huddersfield, Winston Brammall, a resident of Crosland Street in Crosland Moor, was found guilty of inflicting severe physical injuries on a one-year-old boy under his care.The incident, which took place in February 2019, involved a brief period during which Brammall was left alone with the young child, leading to a horrifying assault that left the toddler with multiple bruises, red marks, and other injuries.
On the first day of what was expected to be a three-day trial at Leeds Crown Court, Brammall, aged 44, changed his plea to guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The court was told that the child's mother had no concerns about leaving her son in Brammall’s custody, trusting him to care for her child.
However, upon her return, she found her son crying and immediately became suspicious of his condition.
Prosecutor Philip Stanfast explained that Brammall claimed he had been 'play fighting' with the toddler and showed the mother a video he had recorded during her absence.
Despite this, the mother’s concern grew when she saw her son’s terrified expression.
The child's injuries were extensive; he was covered in bruises on his face, back, legs, and buttocks, with additional red marks on his right ear.
Notably, there was a hand-shaped mark on the right side of his face, a handprint on his thigh, and fingerprints on his back, indicating excessive force.
Medical examinations revealed that the child’s frenulum was torn—a serious injury likely caused by a slap, punch, or forceful impact with an object such as a bottle.
The injuries were deemed non-accidental by experts, who concluded they resulted from hitting, punching, kicking, or being thrown against or onto objects.
The forensic analysis also confirmed that the fingerprints on his back were consistent with an adult’s grip, suggesting excessive and forceful handling.
The child's mother testified that her son’s behavior changed dramatically and almost overnight following the incident, highlighting the trauma inflicted upon him.
The court heard that Brammall had a prior conviction for battery in 2009, adding to the seriousness of his actions.
During police interviews, Brammall dismissed the allegations, claiming that the injuries were the result of the toddler riding on his back 'like a horse' and that any fall would have been onto cushions.
He also threatened the mother, warning her that she would regret it if he went to prison.
Despite his denial, the evidence was clear, and the injuries sustained by the child were consistent with severe abuse.
In sentencing, Recorder Tahir Khan QC imposed a prison term of 21 months, with Brammall required to serve half of that sentence before being eligible for release.
The court also issued a restraining order, prohibiting Brammall from contacting the child or several other individuals.
The judge emphasized the vulnerability of the young victim, stating, “The toddler was as vulnerable as a victim can get.
You abused that position of trust by inflicting violence upon him.” Following his release in January 2019, Brammall was returned to Huddersfield, where he remains under strict legal restrictions to prevent further harm or contact with the victim and others involved in the case.
