ROBERT EDWARDS FROM HAWICK SENTENCED FOR THROTTLING BABY IN SCOTLAND

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Hawick, Robert Edwards, aged 46, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting to the heinous act of throttling a 14-month-old baby. The incident occurred in Galashiels, where Edwards was entrusted with babysitting the young child, along with two older siblings, while the child's mother, who has learning difficulties, stepped out briefly.

According to reports, the mother had asked Edwards to watch over the children around 10:30 PM on March 22, 2002, while she visited a local chip shop. During this period, the baby, who was crying incessantly, became the focus of Edwards' frustration. In a moment of anger and desperation, Edwards placed his hand over the child's mouth and pulled him tightly against his chest in an attempt to silence him. This act of violence left the baby unable to breathe, causing immediate concern among the older children, who were visibly upset by what they witnessed.

When the mother returned from her errand, she was informed of the incident by her older children. Alarmed, she contacted the police the following day. The authorities responded swiftly, and the baby was taken to Borders General Hospital for examination. Fortunately, medical assessments revealed that the child had not sustained any permanent injuries, though the incident was deeply troubling.

It is important to note that the infant had previously been placed on the 'at risk' register. This was due to allegations of neglect against his mother, a 20-year-old single parent. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the child's safety and the risks associated with his care.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Lord Hamilton acknowledged that Edwards had been asked to babysit on short notice. The judge also recognized that Edwards claimed his actions stemmed from frustration because the child was crying continuously. Despite this, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense and concurred with a background report that described Edwards as 'a material and serious risk to the public.'

As part of his sentence, Edwards, who resides on Mansfield Crescent in Hawick, was ordered to undergo strict supervision for a year following his release from prison. The case has raised significant concerns about the safety of vulnerable children and the importance of proper oversight for individuals with a history of violence and sex crimes.