MICHAEL MONTANDON SHAKES BABY IN SCUNTHORPE: HORRIFIC CRIME LEAVES FAMILY DEVASTATED

In July 2018, Michael Montandon, a man residing in Scunthorpe, was living a seemingly ordinary life until a tragic incident shattered his family and the community. The events leading up to his arrest reveal a disturbing case of child abuse that nearly cost a young girl her life and left her family emotionally scarred forever.

Back in July 2016, a horrifying episode unfolded that would change the lives of everyone involved. Montandon’s then-partner, Kirsty Lister, was faced with the devastating news that her three-month-old daughter, Mollie-Grace, had suffered severe brain injuries. The infant was rushed to the hospital after her condition worsened, and doctors quickly determined that she had been violently shaken. The injuries included two bruises and a blood clot on her brain, injuries that are typically caused by forceful shaking or a significant fall.

As the medical team worked tirelessly to save Mollie-Grace’s life, the heartbreaking truth emerged. Montandon, who had appeared to be a gentle and caring father, confessed to Kirsty that he was responsible for the injuries. His admission was a shock, but what made the situation even more distressing was his refusal to accept responsibility when questioned by police. Instead, he attempted to shift the blame onto Kirsty, claiming she was responsible for the injuries inflicted upon their daughter.

Following the revelation, Kirsty, who was only 30 years old at the time, was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to her infant. This arrest led to her losing custody of Mollie-Grace and her four-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. The separation was heartbreaking; Kirsty was barred from being with her children during their critical time of need, as she fought to prove her innocence and ensure her daughter’s recovery.

Mollie-Grace’s condition was dire. She was on the brink of death, suffering from the injuries sustained through violent shaking. Fortunately, she managed to make a remarkable recovery, thanks to the dedicated efforts of medical professionals. Her resilience was a testament to her strength, but the emotional scars remained. To protect her and her sister, Kirsty’s father, Steve, 50, stepped in, giving up his job to care for the girls and prevent them from being placed into foster care.

For ten months, Kirsty was on bail, unable to see her children without social services’ approval. During this period, she expressed her gratitude to her father for his unwavering support. She was denied the opportunity to perform basic parental duties such as bathing or putting her children to bed, which she described as heartbreaking. Her only hope was that justice would prevail, but she was haunted by doubts, unsure if her version of events would be believed.

In October 2015, a turning point occurred when police informed Kirsty that she would not be charged, and her ex-boyfriend, Michael Montandon, would face trial. The relief was overwhelming; she was finally able to bring her children home. The court proceedings revealed that Montandon had shaken Mollie-Grace “in a moment of acute anger” after she cried during a night feed. He pleaded guilty to the charges, and Kirsty attended his sentencing.

During the court process, Kirsty uncovered Montandon’s troubling past, including previous convictions for violence. This revelation deepened her feelings of betrayal and disgust. She described feeling sick upon learning the extent of his violent tendencies. Her trust in him was shattered, and her focus shifted to protecting her children from further harm.

Kirsty expressed her fears about the future, worried that Mollie-Grace might develop behavioral problems or fall behind in school due to the trauma she endured. She also shared her decision to remain single, stating that she could no longer trust another man around her children. Despite everything, she found solace in her two daughters and the fact that she had regained her freedom and the ability to be a mother to them.

In a significant development, Hull Crown Court sentenced Montandon to two years in prison after he admitted to shaking Mollie-Grace in a moment of anger. His actions had nearly cost her her life, and his guilty plea marked a crucial step in seeking justice. Kirsty, reflecting on the ordeal, expressed her heartbreak and anger but also her resilience. She emphasized that her primary concern now was her children’s well-being and her own safety, vowing to protect them from any further harm. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children.