KANE BURTON OF IPSWICH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO 10-WEEK-OLD SON

In March 2011, a distressing case emerged from Ipswich involving a teenage father, Kane Burton, who inflicted severe injuries on his ten-week-old son. Burton, aged 18 at the time, was found guilty of assaulting his infant during what was described as a 'momentary loss of temper,' leading to the child's painful injuries.

Following the incident, Burton was brought before Ipswich Crown Court, where he received a sentence of two years imprisonment. However, due to his time already spent in custody—five months on remand—he is expected to serve only about half of that sentence before potentially being released.

Burton had previously admitted to assaulting his young son between April 30 and May 2 of the previous year. The court was informed that the injuries sustained by the baby were quite serious, causing significant pain and distress.

Police reports indicated that the initial response to the incident involved Burton taking his son to the Riverside Clinic located on Landseer Road in Ipswich on May 1. Medical staff at the walk-in clinic examined the infant and subsequently referred him to Ipswich Hospital for further treatment.

It was confirmed that the baby had suffered a fracture to a rib on his left side, as well as a fracture to his right femur—the thigh bone. These injuries pointed to a considerable amount of force being applied to the child's body.

Burton, who was 17 at the time of the assault, was detained by police on May 5 and taken to Ipswich police station for questioning. He was formally charged with the assault on October 8.

During the court proceedings, Burton’s defense lawyer, Roger Thomson, argued that his client had been attempting to be a good father. He described the incident as a 'momentary loss of temper' and emphasized Burton’s honesty and remorse. Mr. Thomson stated, “He has been honest and open and he is extremely remorseful. He has been trying to be a good dad in his own way. He is going to have to live with what he has done for the rest of his life. He does appear to have faced up to what he has done.”

The court was also told that Burton caused a spiral fracture to his son’s femur, which is the largest bone in the human body. The severity of the injury suggested that the child's leg had been twisted forcefully.

Judge Peter Thompson, presiding over the case, sentenced Burton to two years in prison, taking into account his guilty plea. The judge remarked, “You have pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on your own son who was, at the time, ten weeks old. The femur is the biggest bone in the body. It must have meant some twisting of the child’s leg.”

While acknowledging Burton’s remorse, Judge Thompson emphasized the pain and suffering inflicted upon the infant. The court also noted that additional charges related to the case were filed against Burton, reflecting the gravity of the incident and the concern for the child's welfare.