BLACKPOOL MAN TONY GILES SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND INJURIES IN SHOCKING INCIDENT
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, Tony Giles, a 31-year-old resident of Lytham Road, was sentenced to 16 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing serious harm to a young child.The incident, which took place in April 2016, involved injuries inflicted upon a toddler that left her with visible bruising, cuts, and emotional distress.
Preston Crown Court heard that the young girl suffered multiple injuries, including bruising to her face and beneath her eye, a cut on her hand, and extensive bruising across her back.
Witnesses described her demeanor as “quiet and sad” during her rescue.
Giles admitted that the cuts on the child's arm were accidental, but he accepted responsibility for all other injuries, including the bruising and cuts, which the court confirmed were caused by him.
Judge Pamela Badley addressed Giles directly, criticizing his failure to prioritize the child's well-being.
She stated, “You clearly put your own emotional issues ahead of the need for a young child to be properly looked after and properly supervised.
So although you say you didn’t set about all of this deliberately, that really isn’t very much comfort.
The injuries, particularly on her face, were nasty.
The poor child was utterly wretched once she was rescued from your home.” The court emphasized the severity of the injuries and the neglect involved, noting that the child's identity cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
The case was brought to light after the child's mother allowed her to stay with Giles in Blackpool for a few days starting April 5.
Hanifa Patel, prosecuting, explained that the mother trusted Giles to care for her daughter, believing he had promised not to drink while looking after her.
The mother maintained daily contact with her daughter during those days, and initially, the child appeared to be fine, even with a picture of her posted online.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated.
On the following day, the mother called her daughter and noticed she was upset and crying.
Giles told her the girl was simply “tired,” but concerns grew when a friend of Giles later called the mother, reporting that he had heard the child screaming during a phone call with Giles.
Within ten minutes, the mother received another call from Giles’ brother, urging her to come immediately to Giles’ house due to concerns for the child's safety.
Concerned, a cousin of Giles, who lived nearby, went to check on the child.
When he arrived, he found the girl standing naked next to Giles, gesturing to be picked up.
The cousin observed bruising around her eye and a cut on her hand.
Giles then retreated into a bedroom, claiming he needed a moment.
During this time, the cousin could hear the sound of broken glass being cleaned up.
Upon entering the room, he saw broken glass on the floor, an empty vodka bottle, and beer cans on the bed.
He quickly gathered the child's clothes, nappies, and her pram before leaving the scene.
Following these events, Giles was arrested, and the young girl was taken to hospital.
Medical professionals confirmed that her injuries were non-accidental, indicating deliberate harm.
During police interviews, Giles denied intentionally causing the injuries, suggesting that the bruising might have resulted from a slap he gave her when she appeared to be choking on a sweet.
It was also revealed that Giles had a criminal history, with six previous offenses including affray, robbery, and breaches of court orders.
However, he had not offended since 2008.
Fraser Livesey, defending Giles, acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating, “It’s an extremely unpleasant case.
He fully recognises he is responsible for these injuries.” Giles’ sentencing reflects the gravity of his actions and the impact on the vulnerable child involved in this distressing incident in Blackpool.
