JOSEPH RAY SHAKES BABY AVA IN PRESTONPANS: TRAGIC DEATH IN EAST LOTHIAN

In a case that has shocked the community of Prestonpans, East Lothian, Joseph Ray has been sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to the violent shaking of his two-month-old daughter, Ava Ray, which resulted in her tragic death. The incident occurred in 2012, and the case remained under investigation for nearly seven years before reaching its conclusion.

Joseph Ray, aged 33 at the time of sentencing, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide, acknowledging that his actions led to the death of his infant daughter. The court heard that Ray had violently shaken Ava at their flat in Prestonpans, an act that was described as a momentary loss of control. The investigation into Ava’s death was extensive, involving consultations with multiple medical experts to determine the precise cause of her demise. Despite being initially charged with murder, Ray’s plea to a lesser charge was accepted by prosecutors after a thorough review of the evidence.

Following Ava’s death, authorities quickly ruled out natural causes as the reason for her passing. Medical examinations and expert opinions confirmed that she had suffered a head injury consistent with assault. The tragic circumstances of her death deeply affected her mother, Lauren Scott, who expressed her dismay at the relatively lenient sentence. Speaking to the BBC, Ms. Scott remarked, “I think it’s shocking that he only got seven years after all that time.”

During the court proceedings, Ray’s defense lawyer, Shelagh McCall QC, explained that Ray had been awakened by Ava crying that night. She further stated that Ray later confided in social workers about feeling overwhelmed and angry, which led him to shake Ava twice. Ms. McCall emphasized Ray’s ongoing struggle to comprehend the catastrophic consequences of his actions, describing him as an exhausted and inexperienced parent who was unable to control his emotions in that moment. She also highlighted the lengthy process of the case, which was delayed due to conflicting medical opinions—initially, some experts believed Ava might have had a blood clotting disorder that could explain her injuries.

Prosecutor Ashley Edwards QC outlined that the relationship between Ray and Lauren Scott was strained, primarily over issues related to nighttime caregiving. On the day of Ava’s death, Ms. Scott had left for work at 6:30 pm, leaving Ray responsible for their daughter. Around 10:50 pm, Ray approached a neighbor, distressed, claiming that Ava was “cold to the touch.” Paramedics arrived shortly after and found the infant unresponsive, with her skin pale and limp. She was rushed to Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, where she was pronounced dead the following morning. Medical tests revealed that Ava’s brain had been deprived of oxygen, and her death was initially classified as unascertained.

Between 2014 and 2018, a series of expert consultations took place, ultimately concluding that Ava’s death was caused by a head injury resulting from trauma. The court was told that the injuries were consistent with physical assault, and the medical consensus shifted accordingly. Although Ray had been detained by police in October 2013, he was released without charges at that time. It was not until March 2019 that he appeared in court in connection with his daughter’s death. Since then, Ray has also been convicted of two domestic assault charges against Lauren Scott, though it remains unclear whether the couple remains together.

Judge Lady Stacey described the case as “a terrible tragedy,” emphasizing the profound loss of a young child who was entitled to love, care, and support from her father. She stated, “As you know, Ava was entitled to look to you for love, affection and support. You failed in that and your failure had terrible consequences. Ava’s life was snuffed out just as it was starting by one of the people she was entitled to rely on. You have to live with that knowledge for the rest of your days.” The judge also noted that, had Ray not pleaded guilty, he would have been sentenced to approximately eight and a half years in prison. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating impact of parental violence and the importance of child protection in the community of Prestonpans and beyond.