A helpless baby girl, born prematurely in 2019, suffered life-altering injuries just days after being brought home from the hospital. Tom Kember and Katherine Reilly, the couple entrusted with her care, were found guilty of assault and child cruelty, respectively, following a five-week trial at Bristol Crown Court.
The court heard harrowing details of the baby's injuries, described by Judge Julian Lambert as the result of a "monstrous act." Medical experts testified that the injuries were akin to those sustained in high-speed car accidents or falls from significant heights, and could not have been caused by a domestic accident.
Disturbing evidence revealed that Kember had conducted online searches related to head injuries in babies just days before the incident. On the day the baby became unresponsive, Kember delayed seeking medical attention for several hours, even searching online for ways to avoid getting caught for child abuse.
The baby, now four years old, has been adopted by her foster parents and faces a lifetime of challenges due to the traumatic brain injury she sustained. She is non-verbal, has significant visual impairment, suffers from daily seizures, and requires constant care.
"A helpless baby has been abused by adults more focused on avoiding the consequences of their actions than on seeking medical help for her." He commended the medical staff who saved the baby's life and the adoptive family who now provides her with the love and care she deserves.
5 Comments
Barrakuda
I hope this story raises awareness about child abuse and encourages others to speak up.
Evgen II
Thank goodness for the medical staff who intervened and the foster family that is providing her a loving home.
Barrakuda
It’s heartwarming to see that despite the tragedy, she has found love and support in her new family.
Evgen II
Simply being found guilty isn't enough; they need to serve real time in prison.
Coccinella
So grateful that there are foster families ready to take in children who need them.