In January 2026, the Offender Database reported that Ethan Gwynne, then 25, of Lanark, South Lanarkshire, was remanded in custody at the High Court in Glasgow. Gwynne admitted to the attempted murder of a three-month-old baby, an attack that left the infant with life-changing brain injuries and skull fractures.
The court heard that on March 11, 2025, Gwynne had offered to look after the child while the baby’s mother rested. At approximately 4:30 pm, emergency services were called to the property, where paramedics found the infant “critically unwell,” pale, and struggling to breathe. Medical examinations later revealed that the baby had suffered “abusive head trauma,” including multiple skull fractures and a significant brain bleed. The prosecution also noted a “healing” injury to the baby’s upper arm, indicating previous trauma.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Gwynne initially attempted to hide his actions, waking the mother in a “state of panic” and performing CPR to appear helpful. However, he later confessed to his grandfather that he had “hit” the baby on the head, though he claimed he did not know why. Prosecutor Nicola Gilchrist detailed the “horror circumstances,” noting that the child remained in intensive care for three weeks and now faces a lifetime of significant neuro-disability. The infant is expected to have severe mobility issues and life-limiting learning difficulties as a direct result of the traumatic brain injury.
Lord Renucci remanded Gwynne in custody as sentencing was adjourned until February 2026 in Dundee. The court also heard that Gwynne, a former warehouse worker, has a history of prior convictions for both violence and racist abuse. Given the gravity of the attempted murder charge and the vulnerability of the victim, he faces a substantial custodial sentence.
While the current conviction is for attempted murder and not a sexual offence, Gwynne’s violent history and the nature of the attack place him under the highest level of scrutiny by Police Scotland. Following his sentencing, he will be managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) framework. This will ensure that upon any future release, his residence and behaviour are strictly monitored by the police and social work services to protect the public from his demonstrated capacity for extreme violence.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.