AIRDIRE JAMES HENDRY SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL CHILD ABUSE IN LANARKSHIRE

In September 2023, a disturbing case of child abuse came to light in Airdrie, Lanarkshire, involving James Hendry, a 30-year-old man whose violent actions left a six-year-old boy severely injured. The young victim, who was found barefoot and dressed only in pyjamas, was seen wandering the streets along Gartlea Road, visibly distressed and crying. Witnesses reported that the boy was carrying a small rucksack and appeared to be in a state of distress, prompting a concerned motorist to take him to the police station for assistance.

Upon arrival at the police station, officers observed the child with multiple bruises covering his face, neck, and ear. The boy explained that he had been physically assaulted and had been told to leave the house he was in. He further revealed that he was often beaten with a belt when he misbehaved and was frequently made to sit in the corner of a room as a form of punishment. The boy lifted his pyjama top to show the extent of his injuries, which stretched from his shoulders down to his waist, with bruising so severe that a paediatrician later described it as among the worst she had ever encountered.

Details of the incident emerged during a court hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court. Prosecutor Karen Yuill stated that the injuries were inflicted on the boy on August 5 of the previous year. A witness, a driver, had seen the child in the town around 5 pm, visibly injured and in pyjamas, and had taken him to the police station for help. The police then examined the boy and documented the extensive bruising, which was consistent with repeated physical abuse.

James Hendry appeared in court alongside his 28-year-old partner, who admitted to failing to supervise the child adequately. Hendry pleaded guilty to the assault, and the court was shown 49 pages of graphic photographs depicting the severity of the injuries. The images deeply affected Sheriff Joseph Hughes, who had to pause his review of the photographs due to their disturbing nature. The sheriff condemned the brutality of the assault, emphasizing that the injuries were truly horrific and almost from head to toe.

In his sentencing remarks, Sheriff Hughes expressed his profound disgust at the case. He acknowledged that Hendry was a first-time offender but stated that the severity of the injuries warranted a significant custodial sentence. The sheriff noted that he would have sentenced Hendry to three years in prison but for his guilty plea, which he considered a mitigating factor. As Hendry was led away to the cells, members of the public in the gallery shouted insults such as 'Beast' and 'B*****d' in reaction to his conviction.

Addressing the woman present in court, Sheriff Hughes indicated that he could consider not imposing a prison sentence on her, suggesting some leniency in her case. The court's decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats cases of child abuse, especially when the injuries are as severe as those inflicted on the young boy in Airdrie.