LUCY HOWARTH FROM OLDHAM AVOIDS JAIL AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON THREE-MONTH-OLD BABY
In March 2017, a distressing incident unfolded in Oldham involving a young woman named Lucy Howarth, aged 20, who was involved in a violent assault that resulted in a three-month-old infant suffering a fractured arm.The case drew significant attention as Howarth, who was caring for the baby at the time, was found to have inflicted the injury during a moment of rage following a disagreement with her boyfriend.
According to court reports, Howarth, a part-time student residing in Oldham, lost her temper and violently twisted the child's arm, causing a displaced fracture to the lower third of the right humerus.
The injury was severe enough to cause the infant considerable pain and distress, with medical professionals later describing the fracture as one that would have required substantial force to produce.
A doctor testified that the injury was indicative of twisting rather than accidental trauma, emphasizing that the child would have cried out immediately and been in significant discomfort.
Despite the severity of the injury, Howarth failed to report the incident promptly.
It was not until two days later that the child was taken to hospital, after a carer noticed the baby was unusually 'whingy' and unable to move his right arm.
The carer’s observation prompted medical intervention, which confirmed the injury.
The doctor who examined the child stated that the fracture was a clear sign of inflicted harm and not accidental, highlighting the level of force involved.
During the court proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, prosecutors revealed that Howarth had initially denied any wrongdoing.
She claimed that the carer who took the baby to the hospital might have caused the injury, a suggestion that was strongly contested by medical evidence.
Prosecutor Jonathan Savage pointed out that Howarth failed to seek immediate medical treatment and, during interviews, attempted to shift blame onto others.
Judge Bernadette Baxter condemned Howarth’s actions, describing her as “selfish” and “self-indulgent.” The judge also remarked on her immaturity and social isolation, noting that she had never held employment outside her home.
The judge emphasized that her mental health issues had rendered her unfit to work, which may have contributed to her behavior.
In light of her actions, Howarth was convicted of child cruelty.
She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning she would not serve time unless she committed another offense within that period.
Additionally, she was spared the requirement to undertake unpaid work.
The court was informed that the child had made a full recovery, and medical reports confirmed that the fracture was healing without long-term damage.
Medical experts described the injury as a displaced fracture to the lower third of the right humerus, caused by significant twisting force.
They explained that such an injury would have caused immediate crying and pain, and was clearly not accidental.
The case highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and the devastating consequences of parental or caregiver violence.
