OLDHAM MAN PAUL JEWITT SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON THREE-MONTH-OLD BABY IN MINSHULL STREET

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Oldham, Paul Jewitt, aged 23, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of severely assaulting a three-month-old baby girl under his care. The incident, which took place over a span of three days in July 2011, resulted in devastating injuries that have left the infant with potentially long-lasting health consequences.

Jewitt, a resident of Sholver in Oldham, admitted to the assault during proceedings at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. The case drew attention not only because of the brutality involved but also due to the apparent lack of motive, as police investigations revealed no clear reason behind Jewitt’s violent actions. Detective Sergeant Karen Siddall, who was involved in the case, emphasized the troubling nature of the attack, stating that the police had been unable to determine why Jewitt chose to harm the defenseless child.

The sequence of events began when the baby’s mother first noticed a mark on her child's cheek on July 4. Jewitt claimed that the injury was caused when the baby accidentally banged her face on a toy. However, concerns escalated two days later when another family member observed bruising around the infant’s eyes after she returned from a visit to Jewitt’s house. The situation worsened when, later that day, Jewitt was left alone with the baby while her mother went shopping. During this period, the infant began to struggle with her breathing, prompting immediate medical attention.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the baby experienced multiple convulsions, and medical scans revealed a bleed on her brain. The severity of her injuries was evident, and doctors expressed uncertainty about the extent of her future health, noting that it was still unclear whether her vision or other functions would be affected in the short or long term. Detective Siddall described the injuries as a reflection of Jewitt’s capacity for cruelty, stating, “the fact that this man could cause the pain he did to a defenceless baby sums up what type of person he is.”

She further commented on the motives, or lack thereof, saying, “for reasons only known to him, Jewitt thought he could hurt this child and get away with it.” Fortunately, law enforcement authorities intervened in time to prevent further harm, and Jewitt was apprehended and brought to justice. His imprisonment ensures that he will be unable to inflict harm on the child again, providing some measure of safety and justice for the victim and her family.