Dad jailed after son suffered head injury

The parents of a 10-week old baby boy, who suffered a head injury in 2019, have been sentenced.

The parents of a 10-week old baby boy, who suffered a head injury in 2019, have been sentenced.

Leighton Jones, 25, and a woman, who we are not naming to avoid identifying the victim, both of Burton-upon-Trent, have both been sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Monday (8 July) after pleading guilty at a previous court hearing. 

Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of Section 18 – grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment. 

The woman pleaded guilty to cause and/or allow the serious physical harm of a child and she was sentenced to a two year community order – with rehabilitation activity up to 30 days and unpaid work 18 hours plus surcharge.  

In September 2019, the parents called for an ambulance after their son stopped breathing. He was taken to hospital and following a CT scan, doctors discovered he had chronic subdural haematoma – where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain. The opinion of the consultant paediatrician is that he had abusive head trauma. He also suffered various fractures.  

The boy has made a full recovery. 

Detective Inspector Ian Pickstock, of Staffordshire Police, said: “This was a truly horrific case involving a very young and vulnerable baby. There was a catalogue of serious injuries inflicted but thankfully he has made a full recovery. 

"This case has taken significant time and resources but shows our commitment to relentlessly pursuing criminals who inflict harm on vulnerable children."