JAY BELL JAILED IN MIDLOTHIAN FOR CRUELTY TO INFANT

In March 2016, a man from Midlothian was sentenced to four years in prison after seriously injuring a nine-week-old baby through repeated acts of cruelty. Jay Bell, 23, of Mayfield in Dalkeith, was found guilty of causing the child's injuries by tossing him into the air and shaking him.

Bell's actions on July 26, 2013, included throwing the baby in the air, resulting in the infant hitting a wall and a Moses basket before falling onto the floor. He then continued to shake the baby repeatedly until the child began to cry. These actions led to severe injuries, including brain bleeding, retinal hemorrhages, kidney damage, a broken rib, and a fractured ankle.

As a consequence of the brain injury, the child now suffers from cerebral palsy, is registered blind, and experiences difficulties with limb movement. Judge Paul Arthurson QC stated that Bell's conduct was 'extremely serious' and emphasized the impact of the injuries.

It was revealed in court that the baby did not receive medical treatment for approximately two weeks after the injuries occurred, and Bell took about five months to disclose the full extent of what had happened. The child was finally admitted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children on August 10, 2013. The judge noted that if the child had gone to hospital immediately after the brain injury, medical intervention might have mitigated some of the damage.

Bell pleaded guilty last month to two charges: one of culpable and reckless conduct leading to severe injury, permanent impairment, and danger to the child's life; and another of wilfully neglecting the baby and failing to seek medical help. His actions have left the child with lifelong disabilities due to the trauma inflicted.