WIRRAL COUPLE DAVID BIRD AND CORRINA SMITH SENTENCED FOR CHILD CRUELTY IN LIVERPOOL

In May 2014, David Bird, 28, and Corrina Smith, 26, were sentenced to prison after being found guilty of subjecting a child to extreme cruelty in Wirral. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the couple subjected the child to a series of severe physical and emotional abuses. Their treatment included confining the child in a small, locked room for extended periods, denying proper toilet facilities, and withholding food. The child also sustained bruising on the head after Smith struck him, while Bird inflicted additional injuries through repeated slaps.

Prosecutor Janet Reaney told the court that the child was "openly terrified" of Bird and would shake whenever his name was mentioned. A bruising injury to the child's head prompted a visit from Wirral social services, who subsequently notified the police, initiating an investigation.

At the time of arrest, both Bird and Smith denied any mistreatment, claiming that the child was "lying." However, they later pleaded guilty to two charges of cruelty to a person under 16, with Smith also admitting to an assault causing actual bodily harm.

His Honor Judge Robert Warnock sentenced Bird and Smith to three years in prison each for their crimes, with an additional three months for Smith, to run concurrently. Addressing the pair, the judge stated, “You seemed to work together to inflict the misery, pain and suffering undergone by this child. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Throughout the court proceedings, Bird and Smith showed little emotion, apart from brief glances at each other as they were led away to custody.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Jim Savage from Merseyside Police’s Child Protection Unit remarked, “David Bird and Corrina Smith subjected a child to unimaginable cruelty. Smith also assaulted the child on several occasions, and the suspects maintained that the child was lying and making up the story, only pleading guilty at the last minute. The child's bravery in reporting what had happened was outstanding and was crucial to bringing the case to court. The victim has been supported by us, the CPS, and other agencies during an extremely challenging 12-month investigation.

“I hope this case sends a strong message to victims of child cruelty, whether recent or historic, that if you find the courage to come forward, authorities in Merseyside will support you and take action against those responsible.” The child is reported to be doing well and showing signs of recovery.