TOM KEMBER SENTENCED TO 21 YEARS IN PRISON IN TAUNTON FOR HORRIFIC ATTACK ON BABY

Tom Kember, aged 27, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison following a brutal attack on an eight-week-old baby in January 2020 in Taunton, Somerset. Kember was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, which inflicted catastrophic head injuries on the infant and led to severe lifelong disabilities, including being non-verbal, blind, experiencing daily seizures, and other complex health conditions.

The court heard that the baby, born prematurely and discharged from hospital just ten days before the incident, sustained injuries believed to be caused by Kember’s force comparable to a car crash or a fall from a height. Evidence revealed that Kember had searched online about harming babies days prior to the attack, with phrases like “if baby hits its head does the baby sleep a lot” and “what happened if u hit a baby’s face,” suggesting premeditation.

The attack occurred after Kember and his partner, Katherine Reilly, had been eating at McDonald’s while Kember searched for such terms on his phone. Following the injuries, Kember contacted emergency services at around 1.20am, claiming the baby was unresponsive. Hospital staff found facial bruising upon examination.

Prosecutors argued that the injuries resulted from an 'extreme explosive rage.' The court also considered Kember’s previous convictions, including domestic violence and an incident where he grabbed the steering wheel of a police car while in custody. During his trial, Kember showed no remorse and threatened police officers, which contributed to an extended dangerousness assessment that increased his sentence.

Kember’s partner, Katherine Reilly, was convicted of child cruelty for failing to seek medical help within 80 minutes of the injuries and received a six-month sentence suspended for two years. The judge expressed outrage at the betrayal of the vulnerable baby by both individuals, describing Kember’s actions as part of an 'attack of monstrous evil' and condemning Reilly’s failure to act.

The medical staff involved in the child's care and the family providing ongoing support were praised by the court. The judge emphasized the lifelong impact of the injuries, which have drastically diminished the child's quality of life.

Kember remains in a relationship with Reilly, who was also implicated in the case. The investigation was led by Detective Superintendent Roger Doxsey, who commended the efforts of both medical teams and police officers, who received a Crown Court Commendation for their work in this tragic case.