JOSHUA COLLARD AND REBECCA GROCOTT SENTENCED FOR CHILD'S DEATH IN STAFFORD AND STONE

In a tragic case that has shocked the communities of Stafford and Stone, a mother and father have been convicted of causing the death of their five-month-old daughter, Ava Mae Collard. The heartbreaking incident unfolded on March 1, 2020, and has since led to a lengthy legal process culminating in severe sentences for the accused.

According to Staffordshire Police, Ava Mae was discovered to have suffered multiple fractures, including broken ribs, a fractured collarbone, and a femur. The severity of her injuries was compounded by significant trauma to the side of her head, which ultimately led to her death. Despite the evidence, her parents, Joshua Collard, aged 30, from Stafford, and Rebecca Grocott, aged 27, from Stone, maintained that they were unaware of how her injuries occurred and denied any involvement in harming her.

The tragic events came to light when paramedics were called to the family home in Stone on February 27, 2020. Emergency services responded swiftly, treating the infant at the scene before transporting her to the hospital. Despite their efforts, Ava Mae succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival at the medical facility.

Following her death, an extensive investigation was launched. A post-mortem examination confirmed the nature and extent of her injuries, prompting authorities to arrest her parents on March 25, 2020. The subsequent trial at Stafford Crown Court lasted five weeks, during which the prosecution presented compelling evidence against Collard and Grocott.

On Tuesday, the jury found both parents guilty of multiple serious charges. They were convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child, and two counts of assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, or abandoning a child or young person in a manner that caused unnecessary suffering or injury. The verdict underscores the gravity of the crimes committed and the devastating impact on the young victim and her family.

Sentencing for Joshua Collard and Rebecca Grocott is scheduled to take place at Stafford Crown Court on July 27. The sentences handed down are expected to reflect the severity of their actions and the tragic loss of young Ava Mae, whose brief life was marred by violence and neglect. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the devastating consequences when that duty is neglected.