Man broke baby’s leg and ribs by slamming child down on floor

Aberdare: A young man caused serious injuries to a five-month-old baby. He slammed the child down in frustration, breaking the baby’s leg and ribs. The baby’s mother was understandably worried about her child’s future mobility.

Cameron Shaw, then 19, was babysitting when the mother heard a loud scream. She rushed in to find the baby crying in a way she had never heard before. Concerned, she noticed the baby’s leg wasn’t moving properly.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, it was revealed that Shaw was trying to dress the baby. When the mother shouted at him, she picked up the baby and saw the injury. Despite Shaw’s claims that the child was fine, she took the baby to the hospital.

Doctors found a buckle fracture beneath the knee. Prosecutor Tom Roberts explained that such an injury requires significant force. Further X-rays showed multiple rib fractures, indicating the baby had been squeezed hard.

Shaw was arrested but initially denied causing harm. Later, he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. He claimed he was frustrated and didn’t mean to hurt the baby, but admitted to squeezing too hard.

The baby’s mother shared her pain in court. She felt her child’s childhood was stolen and struggled with guilt. She worried about the long-term effects of the injuries and felt judged by others.

In his defense, Shaw’s difficult upbringing was mentioned. He faced abuse and instability in his childhood. The judge sentenced him to 22 months in prison and imposed a 10-year restraining order.