MICHAEL LAWRENCE OF ALYTH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AND INJURY TO BABY IN PERTH

In September 2013, a distressing case emerged involving Michael Lawrence, a man from Alyth, who was found responsible for inflicting severe injuries on a young infant under his care. The incident took place during a period when Lawrence was entrusted with looking after the baby, whose mother was unwell and unable to care for him at the time.

According to court reports, Lawrence, aged 23 at the time, became frustrated while attempting to feed and dress the infant, who was only a few weeks old. In a moment of apparent anger and lack of control, he threw the baby onto a bed with force. This violent act resulted in the child sustaining multiple fractures, including several broken ribs and a fractured tibia. Medical examinations confirmed the injuries, which were consistent with significant trauma caused by the forceful impact.

Lawrence claimed that he was unaware of causing any injuries to the child, asserting that he did not notice any harm during the incident. Despite his claims, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture. It was revealed that Lawrence had admitted to culpably and recklessly forcing a bottle into the baby's mouth and forcing his legs into clothing. He also confessed to throwing the infant onto the bed and striking his body, actions that directly led to the severe injuries.

Furthermore, Lawrence admitted to attacking a woman by punching her in the face, indicating a pattern of aggressive behavior. The court heard that the injuries to the baby, particularly the broken ribs and leg, resulted from Lawrence twisting the child's leg in an attempt to put on clothing, which caused the fractures. The child's bones, being very soft at such a young age, were more susceptible to breaking, a fact emphasized by the court.

During the proceedings, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis addressed Lawrence directly, emphasizing the vulnerability of the infant. The sheriff stated, “This was a child who was less than two months old. The child was thrown onto the bed with sufficient force that three ribs were fractured. The child was months old and effectively defenseless. The child was utterly dependent for his care and protection. The child was vulnerable.”

He further explained that the child's bones, being soft, could fracture more easily than those of older children or adults, and that Lawrence's actions had caused not just minor injuries but severe trauma. The sheriff highlighted that Lawrence had acted in a manner that caused significant harm on at least two occasions, particularly during feeding, by using excessive force.

In addition to the injuries inflicted on the infant, Lawrence's history of previous convictions was noted by the court. The prosecution, represented by Fiscal depute Stuart Richardson, detailed that Lawrence had been caring for the baby shortly after his birth to assist the child's mother, who was suffering from poor health. The baby was taken to a health centre after falling ill, and due to the injuries observed, he was referred to the child protection team at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Medical staff found evidence of three healing broken ribs and a tibia fracture, confirming the severity of the trauma.

Lawrence eventually came forward and admitted to his actions, explaining that he had been struggling with feelings of anger, frustration, and aggression, which he took out on the vulnerable infant. The court was informed that the child, now in good health, was unlikely to remember the incident due to his young age. Sheriff Foulis concluded that a custodial sentence was appropriate, reflecting the gravity of Lawrence's conduct and the need to protect vulnerable children from such harm.