CHARLIE HENDERSON'S HORRIFIC BABY ATTACK IN DIDCOT LEADS TO SIX-YEAR JAIL SENTENCE
In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Didcot, Charlie Henderson, aged 26, was sentenced to six years in prison at Reading Crown Court for a brutal assault on his own three-month-old daughter, Chloe Henderson.The assault occurred in August 2008, leaving the infant with severe injuries, including a fractured skull and broken ribs, injuries so grave that Chloe was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
Henderson was entrusted with babysitting his tiny daughter on that fateful day, but instead of caring for her, he launched a violent attack that would forever alter her life.
The details of the case were made public after Judge Ian Grainger lifted reporting restrictions at the request of the Oxford Mail, allowing the name of the victim and the circumstances of the attack to be disclosed.
Chloe’s mother, Lauren Hamblin, 22, who also resides in Didcot, expressed her anguish and anger over the incident.
She described the devastating impact of the attack on her family and shared her heartbreak over the memories that will haunt them forever.
Miss Hamblin stated, “Charlie Henderson is evil and I hope he rots in hell for what he did.
I will never forget seeing Chloe lying in that hospital cot.
She was so tiny and I felt so helpless.
Only a monster could injure a child like that, especially when it involves their own baby.” The court heard that Henderson was convicted on three counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent during a trial held in April.
The judge, in his sentencing remarks, emphasized the gravity of the crimes, describing them as gross breaches of trust.
Judge Grainger remarked, “The offences involve gross breaches of trust.
You are essentially an immature and inadequate figure rather than a dangerous one.” Following the incident, Chloe was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after Henderson called emergency services, claiming she had become “groggy” while he was attempting to feed her.
However, medical professionals quickly became suspicious of the injuries, and upon examination, they concluded that the injuries had been deliberately inflicted.
The police were subsequently called to investigate the case.
It was also revealed during the proceedings that Henderson had a prior conviction for attacking a pub landlord with a knife, adding to the concerns about his character and the severity of his actions.
The community and Chloe’s family continue to grapple with the trauma of this heartbreaking case, which underscores the devastating consequences of violence against the most vulnerable members of society.
