Couple jailed after baby's death
A couple have been jailed for three years for child cruelty following the
death of their six-month-old baby.
Stacey Taylor and Mark Harrison's son, Jack, died of pneumonia at Tameside
General Hospital in November 2006.
Examinations later found that he had suffered a number of fractures to his
limbs and the Tameside safeguarding children board launched an inquiry.
Taylor, 20, and Harrison, 27, of Chapel Court, Hyde, Greater Manchester,
denied any knowledge of the injuries.
They were found guilty of child cruelty following a three-week trial at
Sheffield Crown Court and sentenced on Monday.
The court heard that his parents were aware that he had a weak immune system
and was drastically underweight but did not seek medical attention until it
was too late.
Baby Jack was not subject to any child protection measures and his death was
not thought to be suspicious until the post-mortem examination was carried
out.
A pathologist discovered the oldest fracture was up to 12 weeks old, while he
suffered some of the other injuries up to a week before his death.
Small bruises caused up to 48 hours before he died were also found on his face
and head which the pathologist said was most likely caused by poking or
prodding.
Speaking after the hearing, Det Con Kath McKenzie, of Greater Manchester
Police, said Harrison and Taylor had deliberately harmed their defenceless
baby.
Jack would have clearly been very ill in the lead up to his death but Taylor
and Harrison did not take him to hospital or to a doctor, presumably because
they were aware that the child's injuries would be discovered," she said.
"Throughout this investigation they have been unable to explain how he got his
serious injuries, insisting they were either accidental or they did not
realise he was injured.
"The court has found this is not the case. Maybe one day Jack's parents will
take responsibility for their son's tragic and preventable death."
A serious case review was launched by the Tameside safeguarding children board
following the death, and its recommendations are being adopted. The findings
have not been made public.
A spokesperson said: "The serious case review highlights the importance of
recognising signs of neglect and in dealing with parents who miss appointments
with professionals and are resistant to accept help.
"It is always tragic when a baby dies and all agencies are working together to
take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations of the draft serious
case review which have all been accepted by the safeguarding board."
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