ALLOA WOMAN SHAIZIA ARSHAD SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON INFANT IN WEST LOTHIAN

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, Shaazia Arshad, a 26-year-old woman from Alloa, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of inflicting severe injuries on a one-month-old baby. The incident took place at an address in Bo’ness, West Lothian, and the details of the case reveal a disturbing pattern of violence that left the infant with injuries comparable to those sustained in a serious car crash.

According to court proceedings, the young baby, who was born healthy and without any pre-existing medical conditions that could have caused brittle bones, suffered nearly 30 separate injuries. Medical professionals described the injuries as extensive and severe, including a bruised and hemorrhaged eyelid, which was likely caused by blunt force trauma. The child also sustained 19 fractured ribs, a broken right arm, two fractured thighs, and fractures to both the tibia and fibula in each leg. These injuries were so grave that they prompted a series of detailed skeletal surveys and scans conducted by paediatric specialists.

At the time of the incident, the baby’s father was at work. His partner, Arshad, had gotten up early that day. When he returned from a shower, he found the baby crying with a swollen left eyelid. Later, Arshad contacted him to report that the baby’s leg did not look right. Upon returning home, the father observed that the child's leg was severely swollen from the knee to the ankle, red, and hard to the touch. Concerned, he took the infant directly to a general practitioner, who immediately noticed the baby’s distress and the visible injury. The doctor described the baby’s cry as “horrible” during the examination.

Following the GP visit, the baby was transferred to hospital for further assessment. Paediatricians conducted X-rays and scans, which revealed the extent of the injuries. Prosecutor Alistair McDermid explained that the injuries were consistent with significant trauma, akin to what one might expect from a serious road traffic collision. The injuries caused the baby considerable pain and suffering.

Throughout the hospital stay, medical staff attempted to gather a history of how the injuries occurred. However, Arshad was unable to provide a coherent explanation. Despite multiple inquiries, she failed to clarify how her child had sustained such injuries. Police officers also questioned her, but she continued to be uncooperative, even when they pointed out that her lack of knowledge was suspicious and seemingly impossible given the circumstances.

During the investigation, Arshad was arrested and taken into custody. Her failure to explain the injuries or offer any plausible account led to her being charged with assault causing severe injury. She pleaded guilty last month to the charges, and her sentencing took place at Stirling Sheriff Court. The court heard that the injuries inflicted on the infant were of a “significant” nature and had a profound impact on the child's health and well-being.

In her defense, John McBride acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, stating, “She accepts this is a very serious matter.” However, the court was also told that the injuries had a lasting effect on the family and that the incident was a tragic situation.

Sheriff Keith O’Mahony sentenced Arshad to three years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of her actions. He remarked that the injuries inflicted were substantial and that her remorse, although genuine, did not mitigate the severity of the crime. The sheriff concluded by stating that failing to impose a custodial sentence would be a failure in his duty, given the nature of the injuries and the impact on the child and family.