BILLY FULCHER SENTENCED TO JAIL IN LEIGH FOR BRUTALITY TOWARD BABY

In October 1999, Billy Fulcher, a 26-year-old father from Belfairs Court, Arterial Road, Leigh, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to his seven-week-old son, Jacob.

Fulcher had slapped the infant across the head repeatedly, because the baby was crying incessantly. At one point, he screamed at the distressed child, saying, "Shut up, shut up — you’re doing my head in." The baby was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London with serious injuries, including a fractured skull, severe bruising, as well as injuries to his knee and wrist. Jacob’s twin brother Zachary was unharmed.

The court heard that the injury to Jacob was so severe that there was concern about possible long-term brain damage. During the hearing, Judge Michael Yelton noted that while the maximum sentence for such an offense is five years, Fulcher received a lesser sentence due to it being his first offence and his guilty plea.

The sentencing prompted an uproar among relatives of Fulcher’s estranged wife, Tanya, in the court’s public gallery, with some crying and shouting, "There’s no justice” and “He’s got away with it.”

Fulcher's barrister, Peter Singer QC, explained that his client’s marriage had ended because of the incident. He also noted that Fulcher, a former soldier, had already suffered personal losses, including losing his marriage and his twin boys. Mr. Singer stated, “He did not intend to harm Jacob but admits he was heavy-handed and lost his temper suddenly,” adding that Fulcher was immature and acted badly under stress.

Prior to the incident, health visitors had checked the twins and found no concerns. However, during a subsequent visit, Jacob’s injuries appeared fresh, prompting police involvement. The examination revealed severe bruising and a skull fracture.

When arrested, Fulcher admitted to police, “I was clumsy with my kids. I don’t like them crying. When they start, I walk away.” He also confessed to slapping Jacob but insisted that the violence was not premeditated.

Graham Parkins QC, representing the prosecution, stated that police believed the injuries indicated a serious assault, which might have resulted in long-term harm to Jacob.