PAUL LEYLAND FROM SEACOMBE JAILED FOR BRUTAL TODDLER ATTACK IN LIVERPOOL

In a case that has shocked the local community, Paul Leyland, a 25-year-old resident of Falkland Road, Seacombe, was sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of violently assaulting his girlfriend's two-year-old son. The incident took place in September 1994 and resulted in severe injuries to the young child, prompting a detailed investigation and a subsequent court trial.

According to court proceedings, medical experts testified that the toddler's injuries were inflicted through a combination of shaking and multiple blows to the head. Doctors observed that the child's head had swollen to twice its normal size, and the child was found to have extensive bruising on his face and head. The child's eyes were completely swollen shut, and the swelling was so severe that it was clear the injuries had caused him significant pain.

Prosecutor Mr. William Waldron described the injuries as both extensive and traumatic. He explained that the child was taken to hospital on September 14th after his distressed mother, who was pregnant at the time, rushed to a friend's house—a nurse—seeking urgent medical help. The injuries reportedly occurred while Leyland was caring for the boy during a two-hour period when his girlfriend, with whom he had been living for four months, went out.

During the trial, Leyland denied the allegations, claiming that the child's mother had confessed to him that she was responsible for the injuries and had asked him to take the blame. However, evidence presented in court indicated that the injuries were consistent with a violent assault, and the child's condition was described as serious but ultimately recoverable. The child made a full recovery, and the court noted that he was now doing well.

Judge Denis Clark, presiding over the case, sentenced Leyland to six months in prison, citing the severity of the injuries and the fact that Leyland had no prior criminal record. The judge also acknowledged that Leyland, who is now employed as an assistant supermarket manager, had never previously been involved in trouble with the law. In his remarks, Judge Clark emphasized the vulnerability of young children, stating, “There are many toddlers around without fathers for protection,” highlighting the importance of safeguarding children from harm.

Defense counsel Mr. Adrian Smith argued that Leyland had no history of losing his temper and suggested that the incident was out of character. Despite this, the court's decision reflected the seriousness of the assault and the need for accountability in cases of child abuse.