London father sentenced for baby shaking death

LONDON FATHER SENTENCED FOR BABY SHAKING DEATH

Police and children's charities are urging people who are struggling with parenthood to seek the help they need, after a man shook his six-week-old son to death.

Pedro Rubim was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison on Wednesday after killing his son, Alejandro Rubim, at their north-west London home.

Alejandro died after four days in hospital due to brain, head, and eye injuries.

The NSPCC stated that Alejandro was 'robbed of his life.' Detective Constable David West of the Metropolitan Police described the case as 'heartbreaking' and emphasized that 'Alejandro should have been safe with his father, whose duty it was to love and protect his child.' He further urged anyone struggling with caring for a newborn to seek help.

Rubim, from Enfield, initially falsely claimed that Alejandro slipped out of his bouncer and fell on a wooden floor at their flat in Camden, then attempted to justify his actions by saying he shook the baby to revive him after the fall.

Medical experts indicated that Alejandro's fatal injuries were 'most likely caused by being shaken and/or thrown.' During the post-mortem, pathologists noted a small abrasion, two bruises on the head, deep bruising to both buttocks, and retinal haemorrhages typical of head injuries caused by shaking or impact.

The NSPCC condemned Rubim's actions, stating he 'should have loved, protected, and kept his son safe from harm' but instead 'rob bed him of his life,' and mentioned that the NSPCC offers support and advice for parents dealing with stressful situations related to caring for infants.