JAMES HOWSON AND TINA HUNT: HORRIFIC BABY MURDER IN DONCASTER

In October 2008, a tragic and disturbing case unfolded in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, involving the brutal murder of a 16-month-old girl named Amy. The perpetrator, James Howson, aged 25, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of her murder at Leeds Crown Court. The court heard that Howson inflicted fatal injuries on his young daughter by holding her over his knee and deliberately snapping her spine, an act described by the judge as both chilling and brutal.

During the trial, the jury was presented with evidence that showed Howson's violent actions. It was established that he had caused Amy's death by dislocating her spine, which led to spinal shock and rapid unconsciousness, ultimately resulting in her death within a few hours. The judge, Mrs. Justice Cox, emphasized the severity of the attack, stating, “This was, in my view, a chilling and brutal attack. The bone was completely dislocated, resulting in spinal shock, rapid unconsciousness — mercifully — and to death.”

In a disturbing twist, Howson attempted to shift blame onto Amy’s mother, Tina Hunt, 26, suggesting she might have been responsible for the child's death. However, the court found the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to Howson as the sole perpetrator. The judge clarified, “The jury was satisfied, on the clearest of evidence, that it was you who deliberately inflicted truly horrific injuries upon your defenceless little daughter, Amy, from which she died within a few hours.”

Further details revealed that in the weeks leading up to Amy’s death in December of the previous year, Howson had subjected her to multiple acts of cruelty. The court heard that he had cruelly and deliberately assaulted Amy on several occasions, resulting in multiple fractures to her arms and legs. These acts of violence painted a picture of a troubled man with a history of violence, particularly towards women, although he had no prior criminal convictions.

Throughout the proceedings, Howson showed no visible remorse. When led from the dock, he remained emotionless, prompting the judge to comment, “I have not seen the slightest evidence of remorse from you for what you did.”

As for Tina Hunt, she received a 12-month suspended sentence for child cruelty, which was granted on the basis that she admitted her failure to alert authorities about Amy’s suffering. The judge described her level of culpability as being at the lowest end of the scale, noting that Howson’s dominance and violence over her played a significant role. It was also revealed that Hunt was in the lowest 1% of intelligence, which may have impacted her ability to act.

Outside the courtroom, Amy’s grandfather, Colin Hunt, expressed his anguish and frustration. “Life should mean life but what can you say? That’s justice for you,” he said. “Twenty-two years is all right but it won’t bring Amy back, will it? I have 16 grandchildren. They are all beautiful and he’s taken one away. I idolise them.” His anger was palpable, and he added, “I’m very angry. If I could have done something I would have. She was my granddaughter.”