MEGAN CROSBY FROM BLACKPOOL AVOIDS PRISON AFTER INJURING THREE-MONTH-OLD BABY IN MANCHESTER

In a case that has shocked the local community, Megan Crosby, an 18-year-old resident of Blackpool, faced serious legal consequences after injuring a three-month-old infant during an incident that could have lifelong repercussions for the child. The incident took place in April at a support flat located in Clayton, Manchester, where Crosby was staying at the time.

According to court reports, Crosby was responsible for dropping the baby on his head and shaking him violently while she was in the flat. The baby sustained severe head injuries, including extensive bleeding in the brain and eyes, which prompted immediate medical attention. Doctors at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital conducted a thorough assessment, revealing multiple hemorrhages across different regions of the brain and retina, as well as a noticeable purple mark on the child's left ear. Medical professionals indicated that these injuries were consistent with shaking, with or without impact, and warned that the full extent of the child's long-term health consequences would not be clear for three to four years.

Initially, Crosby denied any involvement or wrongdoing, but she later admitted to the authorities that she had caused the injuries. She explained that she was holding the baby when he fell awkwardly onto a metal bar of a baby bouncer, hitting the left side of his head. She further admitted to grabbing the child's leg and arm and yanking him towards her, acknowledging that she had shaken him and that her actions were reckless.

Following her admission, Crosby was arrested and brought before Manchester Crown Court. During the proceedings, she pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm. The court heard that the injuries left the baby lethargic, with a poor response, pallor, and vomiting. The child was so severely affected that he required feeding through a nasal tube and needed a surgical procedure to insert a stent into his brain. Medical experts warned that children with such head injuries are at risk of developing behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and epilepsy, with the full impact of these injuries expected to be determined over the coming years.

Prosecutor Joanna Rodikis described the distressing scene when Crosby ran into the support flat’s office in a hysterical state, claiming that the baby was not breathing. Staff members responded swiftly, with one performing CPR and another calling an ambulance. The infant was transported to the hospital for urgent assessment. The medical team confirmed the presence of multiple hemorrhages and retinal bleeding, which are indicative of shaking injuries. The doctors also noted a bruise on the child's ear, attributing it to shaking with or without impact.

During police interviews, Crosby initially lied about how the injuries occurred and was unable to provide a clear explanation when questioned. Her actions and subsequent admissions led to her being charged with inflicting serious harm on a vulnerable infant. The court acknowledged the gravity of her actions but also recognized some redeeming qualities in her character, with Judge David Stockdale QC stating, “There is clearly some good in you.”

In sentencing, Crosby received a sentence of eight months in a young offender institution, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, she was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community work. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, particularly given the victim’s vulnerability as a helpless baby, and highlighted the importance of accountability and rehabilitation in cases involving such grave harm.