Prison sentence for Falkirk baby batterer

A woman who assaulted a three-week-old baby so badly she left him blind in one eye and brain damaged was sent to prison for her horrific crime.
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Following the vicious attacks – carried out by Caroline Thomson (30) over the period of a month – the boy, who is now nearing his second birthday, cannot speak and is unable to walk. Doctors say any assessment of long-term damage cannot be made until he is primary school age.

Appearing at Glasgow High Court today, Thomson had earlier admitted the assaults she committed at addresses in Falkirk and Larbert between May 2 and June 16, 2018.

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Addressing Thomson, who still denies the crime despite her guilty plea, Judge Lady Rae said: “You pled guilty to the repeated physical abuse of a defenceless baby in your care. This baby suffered numerous injuries to his head and body as a result of what you did and has been left with life-long injuries and permanent impairment.

“You take no responsibility for what you did and deny your guilt, blaming a two-year-old for some of the injuries. Your conduct towards this child was deplorable. This is an appalling crime.”

The baby, who was attacked when he was aged between three and nine-weeks-old, suffered multiple rib fractures, bleeding on the brain, a broken right wrist, fractures to the base of both big toes and a detached retina.

Prosecutor Kath Harper said:”The accused told the police the injuries may have been caused when she dropped the baby and said some of the injuries could have been caused by a two-year-old child.

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“This is inconsistent with the medical findings. It is the opinion of consultant paediatrician Rosemary Grattan that any injury causing bleeding on the brain has the potential to endanger life.”

The court was told the injuries to the baby’s feet are suggestive of an impact or crush injury and the injuries to the wrist and the ribs were consistent with a squeezing injury.

The rib fractures required excessive force.

Consultant ophthalmologist Jennifer Ann Gillen examined the baby’s eyes and confirmed he had a detached retina. She said she had never seen this type of injury in a young baby and such an injury would require some form of blunt force trauma.

The court heard that on one occasion when Thomson was looking after the baby a neighbour heard the baby crying and the accused shouting and swearing at him to shut up.

Thomson denied shouting and swearing at the baby.

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When she was charged with assaulting the boy, Thomson told police: “I would never hurt a baby.”

Wendy Hay, defence counsel, said: “She is a very vulnerable individual who had a traumatic upbringing, This is an extremely serious and distressing case. Given the stance taken by Miss Thomson there is little I can say.”

Thomson sat sobbing in the dock as Judge Lady Rae sentenced her to nine years in prison.

An NSPCC Scotland spokesperson said: “This horrendous case of physical abuse, which has left a baby boy with potentially life-altering injuries, is deeply disturbing. Thomson’s actions have had a catastrophic effect on a child who would have been entirely dependent on the adults around him.

“We all have a duty to look out for the welfare of children and anyone with concerns can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.”