In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 24-year-old Elizabeth Wilkins was sentenced to seven years in prison for a series of violent attacks on her three-month-old son. Wilkins—originally from Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, but living in Mutley, Plymouth—fractured the infant’s ribs on several occasions before striking his head with such force that his skull was broken. It was reported that the child suffered permanent brain damage and will require specialized mobility and care assistance for the duration of his childhood.
The investigation established that Wilkins, who worked as an escort, attempted to deflect responsibility by falsely accusing her former partner, Erick Vanselow. Plymouth Crown Court heard that the abuse began in August 2016 at a property in College Avenue, where Wilkins gripped and shook the baby, causing bloodshot eyes. The prosecution reported that although the child was treated at hospital for the initial shaking injury, it was not flagged as abuse, allowing Wilkins to inflict a life-threatening head injury just weeks later in September 2016.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Wilkins acted out of rage and frustration while left alone with the infant. Plymouth Crown Court heard that the three-month-old was taken to Derriford Hospital, where staff fought to save his life after he was either struck against a hard surface or hit with a heavy object. The investigation established that despite Wilkins denying the charges throughout a three-week trial, a jury unanimously found her guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Judge Johnson presided over the sentencing, handing Wilkins a total of seven years in prison. For her actions in Plymouth, Wilkins was removed from the community, showing little reaction as she was led away in handcuffs. The judge noted the callous nature of the attempt to blame an innocent co-defendant and read care reports confirming the long-term developmental problems the boy faces as a direct result of the brain damage inflicted by his mother.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Devon, the status of Elizabeth Wilkins as of April 4, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (Served half of 7-year term; released on licence circa 2021/2022).
- Supervision Status: Subject to post-release licence monitoring.
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (GBH with intent; ABH; 2 counts total).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court; investigated by Devon and Cornwall Police.
- Criminal Record: Fractured skull and brain damage of a 3-month-old; Multiple rib fractures; False accusations against partner.
- Origin: Mutley, Plymouth, Devon; originally Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Wilkins is managed as a high-risk violent offender within the Plymouth area following her release. Due to the nature of her conduct—which involved the systematic physical abuse of a defenceless infant and a total lack of accountability during her trial—her management is a maximum priority for the local MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements) team. Authorities state that her expressed hope to be “reunited” with her son indicates a lack of insight into the severity of her crimes, necessitating strict safeguards.
As a convicted child abuser, then 24-year-old Wilkins’ details are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that her licence conditions include a total ban on any unsupervised contact with children and strict residency requirements. Any failure to notify police of her movements in Plymouth or Somerset, any unauthorized proximity to minors, or any breach of her supervision terms will result in immediate recall to prison to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from her demonstrated pattern of explosive violence.
QUESTION – Given that the offender caused permanent brain damage to a three-month-old but will only serve three-and-a-half years in custody, do you believe that “Life-Altering Injuries” inflicted on an infant should carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years?
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