In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Zeeshan Younis, then 38, was sentenced to six years in prison at Preston Crown Court. Younis, a Pakistani national recently of Leighton Buzzard, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent following a trial in March 2019.
The investigation established that in February 2016, while at a house in Blackburn, Younis assaulted his 14-week-old son. The infant was left limp and in a coma after being forcefully shaken. Medical examinations revealed the baby suffered a bleed on the brain, widespread retinal haemorrhages in both eyes, and an irregular heartbeat.
Incident and Lack of Remorse
The court reported that a health visitor had visited the home just hours before the assault and found the baby healthy and asleep. However, by 1:45 pm, Younis had carried out the attack. Despite making a 999 call, Younis never disclosed that he had shaken the child, even as paramedics found the baby “pale and floppy” with a fixed stare.
Judge Graham Knowles QC described the act as a “momentary loss of control” but noted that Younis acted with the specific intent to cause serious harm. The judge emphasised that the baby “could have been killed” or left with grave, lifelong brain damage. Younis continued to deny his actions throughout the legal process.
Immigration Status and Recovery
At the time of his sentencing, it was reported that Younis held an illegal immigrant status after overstaying his UK visa. Under UK law, foreign nationals sentenced to more than 12 months in prison are typically subject to automatic deportation consideration upon the completion of their sentence.
The court heard that the child, who was subsequently adopted, has made a “good recovery.” Social workers described the boy as a “happy, healthy child who is meeting all his milestones.” However, doctors warnedthat there remains a small chance of developmental difficulties surfacing later in life due to the severity of the initial brain trauma.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Younis was managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) during his time in the UK. Following his six-year sentence, his case would have been referred to the Home Office for deportation proceedings due to his illegal status and the “serious” nature of his violent offending.
The judge noted that one day, the child will have to learn the truth about what his father did to him. Any return to the UK or breach of court orders would result in Younis’s immediate arrest. Lancashire Police state that they remain committed to protecting vulnerable children from “momentary losses of control” that lead to such devastating injuries.
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