FALKIRK WOMAN CAROLINE THOMSON SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON BABY BOY IN FALKIRK AND LARBERT

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Falkirk and the surrounding area, Caroline Thomson, a 30-year-old woman from Falkirk, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to a heinous assault on a vulnerable infant. The attack, which took place between May 2 and June 16 in 2018, resulted in severe and lifelong injuries to the baby boy, who was only a few weeks old at the time.

Thomson’s actions left the young victim with brain damage and blindness in one eye, alongside fractures to his wrist and ribs. Despite her guilty plea, Thomson attempted to shift some blame onto another child, claiming that a two-year-old was responsible for some of the injuries. However, the High Court in Glasgow, presided over by Lady Rae, dismissed these claims, describing the crime as “appalling” and condemning Thomson’s conduct as “deplorable.”

The court heard that the assault occurred on multiple occasions in the Falkirk and Larbert areas. Witness testimonies revealed disturbing details: on one occasion, a neighbor overheard Thomson shouting at the crying baby, exclaiming, “Shut up you f***ing little bastard.” Another neighbor reported hearing Thomson scream at the infant, “Would you shut the f*** up,” while the baby was crying.

Thomson was charged with assault causing permanent impairment and disfigurement, as well as endangering the child's life. She admitted to the charges, which included causing injuries that could have long-term consequences. During police interviews, Thomson claimed that some injuries might have resulted from her dropping the baby, and she suggested that a two-year-old might have caused other injuries. However, medical examinations painted a different picture.

Consultant ophthalmologist Jennifer Ann Gillen examined the child's eyes and confirmed the presence of a detached retina, a rare injury in infants that typically results from blunt-force trauma. Dr. Gillen emphasized that she had never encountered such an injury in a baby of this age, indicating the severity and violence of the assault.

Prosecutor Kath Harper highlighted the inconsistency between Thomson’s explanations and the medical findings, underscoring the brutality of the attack. The injuries inflicted have left the child unable to speak or walk, although he can crawl. Medical professionals have stated that a comprehensive assessment of the long-term effects cannot be made until the child reaches primary school age.

During sentencing, Lady Rae expressed her profound disappointment and anger over the case. She described the incident as “an extremely serious and distressing case,” emphasizing that Thomson’s actions have caused irreversible harm. The judge condemned Thomson for her refusal to accept responsibility, noting her attempt to blame a two-year-old for injuries that medical evidence strongly suggested were caused by her own violent actions.

Thomson’s case has garnered significant attention in Falkirk, where concerns about child welfare and the safety of vulnerable children continue to be a priority for local authorities and the community alike. Her nine-year sentence reflects the gravity of her crimes and the devastating impact on the young victim, whose future remains uncertain but forever marked by the trauma inflicted during those dark days in 2018.