COUPLE JAILED OVER DEATH OF FOUR WEEK OLD BABY
A former executive from the City of London and her handyman partner have been sentenced to prison following the death of their four-week-old daughter.Clare Sanders, aged 44, a management consultant, and Tomas Vaitkevicius, aged 45, were acquitted of murder but found guilty of causing or permitting Eva Sanders' death in September 2017.
The infant sustained 27 rib fractures and injuries to her head and spine resulting from three separate assaults, as jurors were informed.
Both individuals, residents of Mitcham in south London, denied any involvement in causing Eva's injuries or noticing indications of abuse.
At the Old Bailey, Vaitkevicius, who had prior convictions for violence, received a nine-year sentence, while Sanders, who showed tears during sentencing, was sentenced to eight years.
The judge, Mark Lucraft QC, stated that alcohol had significantly influenced the events.
He noted that both parents claimed they maintained a calm household during a period marked by an unhealthy relationship, yet evidence indicated multiple episodes of serious trauma inflicted on Eva, with each parent aware of her suffering but choosing not to act.
The court also heard that a neighbour raised concerns after hearing Sanders scream and ringing her doorbell in the early hours of September 1st, 2017.
Eva was hospitalised at St George's Hospital in Tooting where she passed away the following day.
Prior to this, Sanders had searched online for terms related to shaken baby syndrome and shaking infants, and later told police she could not explain her daughter's shaking limbs.
Vaitkevicius claimed he was watching television when he heard Sanders shouting after checking on Eva.
He entered the room and saw Sanders holding what he described as a limp baby by the armpits.
The court highlighted Vaitkevicius's previous convictions, including an assault on his first wife.
Neither parent provided a reason for Eva's injuries, but their actions resulted in the tragic death of an innocent child, underscoring a heartbreaking failure to care for her as they were supposed to.
