NATHAN MARTIN FROM TELFORD SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON 6-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In July 2008, a disturbing case emerged involving Nathan Martin, a 19-year-old man from Telford, who was convicted of subjecting a six-year-old girl to a prolonged and violent assault while he was entrusted with babysitting her. The court proceedings revealed that Martin's actions included biting, punching, and physically abusing the young girl in various ways, leaving a lasting impact on her well-being.

According to court records, Martin, who has no fixed address, was found guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm. The assault was described as extensive and unprovoked, with the young girl recounting that Martin had pushed her underwater in the bath, repeatedly bit her fingers and shoulder blades, and struck her with force. The court heard that Martin had also banged and slapped her off a toy box and, in a particularly distressing incident, drew a cold bath and held her face and body beneath the water for five to ten minutes. The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told authorities that Martin was biting her 'like a dog,' emphasizing the brutality and prolonged nature of the attack.

Prosecutor Mr. Andrew Barkley explained that Martin had been left alone to care for the girl, and upon her mother’s return the following morning, she discovered her daughter with a black eye. During police interviews, the young girl described how Martin had punched her in the eye while wearing a ring, and detailed the multiple instances of water being thrown on her and bites inflicted during the ordeal.

The court heard that the attack was unprovoked and carried out for no apparent reason, highlighting the severity of the abuse inflicted upon the defenseless child. In mitigation, Mr. Scott Coughtrie stated that Martin claimed to have no recollection of the incident but expressed remorse after seeing photographs of the girl’s injuries.

Judge Robin Onions, presiding over the case at Shrewsbury Crown Court, sentenced Nathan Martin to two years in a young offenders institute. The judge also imposed strict conditions, including a ban on any unsupervised contact with children under 18, and mandated that Martin remain on licence after his release. Additionally, the court ordered liaison with Community Psychiatric Services to monitor his rehabilitation.

Judge Onions condemned Martin’s actions, stating, “To punch a defenceless child is the act of a coward. Hopefully this child will find out that all adults are not like this.” The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous acts.