CARL JAMES SHAKES BABY IN WIRRAL - BRUTAL ATTACK LEADS TO SEVEN-YEAR SENTENCE

In March 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving a young child from Wirral who suffered severe injuries after being violently shaken by her mother’s partner, Carl James. The 13-month-old girl endured a traumatic assault that resulted in potentially life-threatening brain injuries, including bleeding on her brain and in her eyes, along with extensive bruising to her ears, head, and back. The incident took place while her mother, Kelly Parry, was away attending a counselling session, leaving the child in James’s care for a brief period.

Jurors at Liverpool Crown Court heard that James, aged 41 and residing at Watersedge Apartments on Tower Promenade in New Brighton, Wirral, was responsible for causing these injuries during a half-hour window. Despite his claims that the child had never taken to him, evidence presented during the trial indicated that he inflicted harm on her in a moment of frustration or anger. The court was told that James had provided no explanation for the attack, but prior text messages revealed ongoing issues related to the child's attachment to her mother and James’s concerns about Kelly Parry’s parenting skills.

The prosecution, led by Graham Pickavance, described the assault as both serious and vicious. He emphasized that the injuries, which included bruising to both ears and significant trauma to the child's skull, could have been fatal. The court was told that the young girl was fortunate not to have suffered oxygen deprivation, but the severity of her injuries underscored the gravity of the attack. Pickavance pointed out that James was in a position of trust and that his actions represented a grave breach of that trust.

Judge Gary Woodhall presided over the case and remarked that James, who had previously worked as a support worker, showed no remorse during the proceedings. The judge highlighted that James continued to deny responsibility despite the clear evidence pointing to his involvement. He stated, “You continue to deny responsibility despite the fact that the evidence placed before the jury was clear that the offence must have happened when she was left in your care. It is likely you lost control… and assaulted her.”

Further, the judge noted that the toddler had not taken to James and would often cry in his presence. This frustration appeared to have contributed to the incident, according to the judge’s assessment. The court also heard about earlier incidents, including a significant bruise to the back of the child's head and a fractured skull, though it was unclear whether these injuries were accidental or not.

In sentencing, Judge Woodhall handed down a seven-year prison term to Carl James. He explained that, although there were suspicions of previous violent actions, the sentence was based solely on the incident on September 1, 2017. The judge stated, “I am satisfied that you had violently shaken that baby with sufficient force backwards and forwards to cause bleeding within the skull and within her eyes.” The medical evidence described the injuries as “very serious and potentially life-threatening.”

Judge Woodhall also suggested that James’s actions were likely driven by temper or frustration. James, who was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, had been found guilty of the September 1 incident but was acquitted of similar charges related to an earlier date in August of the same year. His address was listed as Watersedge Apartments, Tower Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral.

Kelly Parry, aged 31 and from Islington, Liverpool, was present in the courtroom for the sentencing. She was cleared of any charges of child cruelty. The court heard that she and James had begun their relationship in April 2017 after she separated from her husband, the child's father, who resided in Birkenhead. On the day of the attack, Parry had left her daughter in James’s care while she attended a counselling session. Shortly afterward, James called emergency services, reporting that the baby had been so 'sofa surfing' that she needed urgent medical attention.

The young girl was transported to Alder Hey Hospital, where doctors discovered the extent of her injuries. A neurologist confirmed that the brain bleeds were consistent with being caused by shaking, and the force involved was deemed inappropriate for any caregiver. The case highlights the tragic consequences of violence against vulnerable children and underscores the importance of safeguarding measures to prevent such incidents from occurring.