TOMAS CLUEIT FROM TELFORD ESCAPES PRISON AFTER BRUISING THREE-WEEK-OLD BABY IN SHREWSBURY

In a case that has shocked the community of Telford and the surrounding areas, Tomas Clueit, aged 23, narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment after being found guilty of inflicting harm on a three-week-old infant. The incident, which took place in February, involved Clueit grabbing the baby around the neck, resulting in visible bruising that alarmed medical professionals and prompted a police investigation.

The young child was promptly taken to the Princess Royal Hospital, where medical staff identified fingertip bruising on the child's head, neck, and chest. The severity of the injuries raised serious concerns about the child's welfare, leading to the court proceedings against Clueit. During an earlier hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Clueit admitted to the charge of cruelty to a child, acknowledging his actions in a moment of loss of control.

On the day of sentencing, Judge Robin Onions addressed Clueit directly, emphasizing the gravity of the offense. Despite the fact that Clueit was of good character and the incident was a single lapse, the judge made it clear that such abuse of a vulnerable infant could not be justified or excused. Clueit was sentenced to nine months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offense within that period. Additionally, he was placed under an 18-month probation order, required to complete 200 hours of unpaid community service, and ordered to pay £750 in court costs.

Mr. Tim Harrington, representing Clueit, explained that the injuries inflicted on the child were not long-lasting and that the incident stemmed from feelings of frustration and inadequacy on the part of Clueit. Nevertheless, the court's decision underscores the seriousness with which such cases are treated, especially involving infants who are entirely dependent on adults for their safety and well-being.