EDWARD BIGLEY SHOCKS SHELTON WITH HORRIFIC CRIME THAT ENDED A TODDLER'S LIFE

In October 2004, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, capturing the attention of the local community and the wider public. Edward Bigley, aged 28, residing on Bedford Road in Shelton, was convicted of a heinous crime involving the death of a young child and acts of sexual assault. The incident was described during the court proceedings as a brutal act of revenge against the child's father, leading to devastating consequences for the innocent toddler.

Bigley's actions culminated in the death of 22-month-old Cristen Hunt, the son of his girlfriend, Barbara. The court heard that Bigley subjected the toddler to a humiliating and violent act of sexual abuse, which ultimately resulted in the child's death. The attack was carried out while the child's mother was away from the home, and Bigley had called a family friend to the residence shortly afterward, claiming that Cristen was unwell. The details of the assault revealed that the injuries inflicted on the child were severe, involving the use of a substantial object with considerable force. Medical examinations indicated that the child's death was caused by inhalation of stomach contents, likely due to injuries sustained during the assault.

During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, Bigley pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter and indecent assault but denied the charge of murder. The prosecution accepted his plea of manslaughter, acknowledging the severity of the injuries but not classifying the act as murder. The judge, Mr. Justice Tucker, addressed Bigley directly in court, emphasizing the brutality of the crime. He stated, "You must have used considerable force in carrying out these offences, which your counsel described as an humiliating act of cruelty. It is to be hoped that the experience was mercifully short for the child. You have deprived a child of his life and a mother of her son."

Justice Tucker further explained the rationale behind the sentencing, highlighting the importance of punishing such heinous acts to reflect society's horror and disgust. He emphasized the need for deterrence, stating, "I must impose a sentence sufficient to punish you and mark society’s horror and disgust and to protect children by deterring others who might be tempted to commit such offences."

Rachel Brand QC, representing the prosecution, provided additional context about the relationship between Bigley and the child's mother, Barbara. She explained that Bigley had formed a relationship with Barbara, who was a mother of three children, including Cristen. The attack on Cristen was carried out in her absence, and Bigley’s immediate response was to call a family friend, claiming that Cristen was sick. The injuries inflicted on the toddler were described as being caused with significant force, and the medical evidence pointed to inhalation of stomach contents as the cause of death, indicating the severity of the assault.

Bigley's sentencing reflected the gravity of his actions, and the case left a lasting impact on the Shelton community, raising awareness about the importance of child protection and the devastating consequences of abuse.