DANIEL McLAREN SHAKES BABY TO DEATH IN THATCHAM: HORRIFIC CRIME UNFOLDS IN BERKSHIRE
| Red Rose Database
Thatcham Sexual Abuser
In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Thatcham and the wider Berkshire area, Daniel McLaren, a 30-year-old man, has been convicted of the murder of his four-and-a-half-month-old son, Jack McLaren. The court proceedings revealed a heartbreaking sequence of events leading to the infant’s death, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence inflicted upon a vulnerable child.
According to the evidence presented at Reading Crown Court, McLaren had carried out several internet searches that indicated his awareness of the severity of symptoms in infants. These searches included queries such as ‘serious symptoms in babies never to ignore,’ ‘why is my baby’s tongue blue?,’ and ‘choking/turning blue.’ These searches, coupled with the medical findings, painted a grim picture of a father who was aware of the danger but failed to seek appropriate help, instead resorting to violence.
The court heard that Jack had suffered severe brain damage over a period of time, damage that was consistent with repeated episodes of shaking. Prosecutor Sally Howes explained to the jury that McLaren had violently shaken his son, causing catastrophic brain injuries. The medical experts testified that Jack’s death was directly attributable to these episodes of shaking, which resulted in his brain being badly damaged. The forensic examinations showed no evidence of natural disease or congenital abnormalities, confirming that the cause of death was trauma inflicted by his father.
On the evening of June 2, 2017, McLaren was left alone with his son at their family home in Fleetwood Close, Thatcham, Berkshire, while his partner went out to dine with friends. Around 7:30 pm, McLaren contacted emergency services, claiming that Jack had choked on his feed and was exhibiting strange behavior. He told the operator that his son kept going stiff and then flopping, indicating a possible seizure or neurological distress. When paramedics arrived, they found Jack in a critical condition, unresponsive, with a white liquid coming from his nose and mouth. McLaren was seen meeting the ambulance crew while carrying his son.
Paramedics quickly transported Jack to Southampton General Hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit, where efforts to save him continued. Despite their efforts, the injuries were deemed incompatible with life, and medical staff had no choice but to withdraw life support. Jack passed away shortly thereafter, leaving his family devastated. The court was told that Jack’s condition deteriorated rapidly after the incident, and his death was confirmed on June 4, 2017.
Further investigation revealed that McLaren had been responsible for injuries to another child, for which he was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent under Section 18. The police investigation uncovered that McLaren’s internet searches indicated he was aware that shaking a baby could cause serious harm, yet he continued to act violently. The police spokesman from Thames Valley Police stated that McLaren’s actions had deprived Jack’s mother and loved ones of the chance to see him grow up, emphasizing the tragic loss and the breach of trust involved.
During the trial, McLaren appeared in court with his arms folded and his head in his hands, visibly distressed as the evidence was presented. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, found him guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The judge, Mr. Justice Nicol, remanded McLaren in custody, with sentencing scheduled for the following Monday. The conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
Senior Detective Superintendent Nick John expressed his condemnation of McLaren’s actions, stating that a parent’s role is to protect and nurture, not to harm. He emphasized that McLaren’s abuse of his parental responsibilities had resulted in the tragic death of an innocent child and had caused irreparable pain to the family. The police continue to support the family and the community in the aftermath of this heartbreaking case, which underscores the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of vigilance and intervention in such cases.
According to the evidence presented at Reading Crown Court, McLaren had carried out several internet searches that indicated his awareness of the severity of symptoms in infants. These searches included queries such as ‘serious symptoms in babies never to ignore,’ ‘why is my baby’s tongue blue?,’ and ‘choking/turning blue.’ These searches, coupled with the medical findings, painted a grim picture of a father who was aware of the danger but failed to seek appropriate help, instead resorting to violence.
The court heard that Jack had suffered severe brain damage over a period of time, damage that was consistent with repeated episodes of shaking. Prosecutor Sally Howes explained to the jury that McLaren had violently shaken his son, causing catastrophic brain injuries. The medical experts testified that Jack’s death was directly attributable to these episodes of shaking, which resulted in his brain being badly damaged. The forensic examinations showed no evidence of natural disease or congenital abnormalities, confirming that the cause of death was trauma inflicted by his father.
On the evening of June 2, 2017, McLaren was left alone with his son at their family home in Fleetwood Close, Thatcham, Berkshire, while his partner went out to dine with friends. Around 7:30 pm, McLaren contacted emergency services, claiming that Jack had choked on his feed and was exhibiting strange behavior. He told the operator that his son kept going stiff and then flopping, indicating a possible seizure or neurological distress. When paramedics arrived, they found Jack in a critical condition, unresponsive, with a white liquid coming from his nose and mouth. McLaren was seen meeting the ambulance crew while carrying his son.
Paramedics quickly transported Jack to Southampton General Hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit, where efforts to save him continued. Despite their efforts, the injuries were deemed incompatible with life, and medical staff had no choice but to withdraw life support. Jack passed away shortly thereafter, leaving his family devastated. The court was told that Jack’s condition deteriorated rapidly after the incident, and his death was confirmed on June 4, 2017.
Further investigation revealed that McLaren had been responsible for injuries to another child, for which he was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent under Section 18. The police investigation uncovered that McLaren’s internet searches indicated he was aware that shaking a baby could cause serious harm, yet he continued to act violently. The police spokesman from Thames Valley Police stated that McLaren’s actions had deprived Jack’s mother and loved ones of the chance to see him grow up, emphasizing the tragic loss and the breach of trust involved.
During the trial, McLaren appeared in court with his arms folded and his head in his hands, visibly distressed as the evidence was presented. The jury, composed of seven women and five men, found him guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The judge, Mr. Justice Nicol, remanded McLaren in custody, with sentencing scheduled for the following Monday. The conviction carries a mandatory life sentence, reflecting the gravity of his crimes.
Senior Detective Superintendent Nick John expressed his condemnation of McLaren’s actions, stating that a parent’s role is to protect and nurture, not to harm. He emphasized that McLaren’s abuse of his parental responsibilities had resulted in the tragic death of an innocent child and had caused irreparable pain to the family. The police continue to support the family and the community in the aftermath of this heartbreaking case, which underscores the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of vigilance and intervention in such cases.