Recent cases reveal shocking instances of child abuse in Wales, resulting in serious injuries and jail time for offenders.
Cameron Shaw hurt a five-month-old baby, fracturing the baby’s ribs and leg. Shaw slammed the baby down in frustration, and the mom feared mobility issues later. Shaw, 19, was watching the baby alone when the mom heard a loud scream. She found Shaw forcing the baby’s leg, which did not move properly.
The mom took the baby to the hospital A&E where doctors found a buckle fracture by the knee. X-rays showed rib fractures from squeezing the chest hard. The injuries all happened together. A judge sentenced Shaw to 22 months, and he also got a 10-year restraining order.
Simeon Mayhew and Rhiannon Waters abused their baby, who had injuries like a car crash victim. The baby had spinal, rib, and leg fractures and cried in pain due to the assaults. Neither parent admitted causing the injuries but admitted to letting it happen. The judge said they lacked moral courage, and they were both sent to prison. The baby now thrives with other caregivers.
The couple’s daughter was born in January 2020, and health workers visited, raising no concerns at first. The home was cleaned after dog hair was noticed. Waters later raised concerns about the baby’s spine and said the baby bruised easily. A doctor found bruises, a hemorrhage, and spinal problems, with the parents giving implausible reasons for the marks. Hospital exams revealed 10 spinal fractures, five rib fractures, and fractures in the shin bones.
Violent bending and squeezing caused these injuries, and twisting the legs also caused harm. The child experienced pain, known to the parents. Mayhew and Waters received four years each and will be released on license after serving half.
Sion Davies and Tegan Dolphin hurt their newborn. Rib fractures occurred on at least two occasions. Both were convicted of causing injuries. They claimed ignorance, but the jury disbelieved them. The baby was premature and in a specialist unit for ten days. Dolphin brought the baby back with a leg mark.
Healthcare workers then noted a second mark. A CT scan revealed 13 rib fractures and three leg fractures. The rib fractures were in different stages of healing. Davies got 30 months, and Dolphin got 18 months in jail.
Nicholas Bateman violently shook his baby son, causing permanent brain damage. He lied for years about the injuries, claiming the baby accidentally hit his head. He later admitted to shaking the crying infant. The boy now has cerebral palsy and cannot speak, eat, or stand; medication helps him sleep. The judge sentenced Bateman to over 10 years, but no sentence can fix the damage.
Matthew Sutor fractured a child’s rib and caused bruises. He claimed he was “still pumped” from the gym. He initially said the injuries were accidental, but later admitted responsibility. A doctor found bruises and a healed rib fracture. Sutor blamed another child at first, then confided he caused the injuries, saying he squeezed the child very hard, and the child gave a high-pitched scream.
Sutor cited stress, financial troubles, and marital problems. He caused the injuries in two separate events where excessive force was used. The injuries could not have been accidental. Sutor received three years in prison.
A baby boy suffered lifelong brain injuries after his father violently shook him. He could not walk or swallow properly and needed tube feeding. He had several seizures daily. The father called 999 and lied, claiming the boy collapsed. A judge praised the paramedics, who saved the boy’s life.
The dad denied intent but was convicted. The baby has developmental delay and cerebral palsy. He needs a wheelchair and full-time care. Doctors saw no chance of recovery. The father searched online about harming babies. He shook the baby and then lied. He was sentenced to 10 years and must serve two-thirds in prison.