BENJAMIN ROACH FROM PLYMOUTH AND ESSEX SENTENCED FOR BABY'S DEATH IN PLYMSTOCK, GOSPORT
In a tragic case that has shocked the local community, Benjamin Roach, a 24-year-old man originally from Plymouth, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the manslaughter of his four-week-old daughter, Roxie-Jo Hopkins-Roach.The incident occurred in September 2010, but the legal proceedings and conviction only concluded recently, bringing a measure of justice to the grieving family.
Roach, who at the time was living in Plymouth on Tailyour Road, had denied the charges of manslaughter, claiming that the injuries sustained by Roxie-Jo were accidental.
However, the evidence presented in Plymouth Crown Court was overwhelming, leading to a unanimous verdict of guilt.
The court heard that the injuries inflicted on Roxie-Jo were severe and consistent with violent shaking, with some injuries resembling those seen in high-impact road accidents.
Medical experts testified that the injuries could not have been caused by an accidental fall or minor mishap.
According to court reports, the fatal injuries included retinal hemorrhaging and bleeding within her skull and brain.
These injuries were so severe that had Roxie-Jo survived, she would have been left blind and with significant brain damage.
The court was told that the incident happened during Roach’s first time being left alone with his infant daughter.
On that day, September 23, 2010, Roxie-Jo’s mother, Kelly Hopkins, had left Roach to care for her daughter while she went to the supermarket.
When she returned just a few minutes later, she was met with a distressing scene: paramedics at her doorstep and her daughter fighting for her life inside the house.
Roach initially told police that Roxie-Jo was crying heavily and screaming when he was left alone with her.
He claimed that he tried to calm her by picking her up, but she suddenly became 'floppy.' Later, he changed his account, admitting that he had dropped her from a height of approximately four feet onto a carpeted floor.
Despite his changing stories, the injuries sustained by Roxie-Jo were consistent with violent shaking and deliberate dropping, as confirmed by medical experts.
Roxie-Jo was taken to a high-dependency unit but succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Her death marked a devastating loss for her family and the community.
The court heard that the injuries inflicted were among the worst seen by witnesses, indicative of a violent assault rather than an accidental fall.
Judge Graham Cottle delivered a stern judgment, condemning Roach’s actions and attitude.
He stated, “You simply lost your temper and self-control and committed a serious and unlawful act on a helpless baby.” The judge criticized Roach for his continued denial and evasion of responsibility, noting that nearly three years had passed since the incident, during which Roach refused to admit the truth.
The judge emphasized that Roach’s concern had been solely for himself and that his responses had been “utterly unforgivable.” Following the verdict, Kelly Hopkins expressed her relief and sense of justice.
She said, “My daughter can now rest in peace, and justice has been served.
I’ve got the verdict I wanted… I’ve fought for justice for my daughter for the past two-and-a-half years.” The case has left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the tragic consequences of violence against infants and the importance of accountability in such devastating cases.
