A 37-year-old man from Preston who inflicted widespread bruising on a 17-month-old baby and repeatedly attempted to blame others has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at Preston Crown Court.
Stephen Stanley, of Callon, Preston, appeared for sentence following a criminal inquiry led by a dedicated police child protection team into an incident of child cruelty and physical abuse.
The court was told that the assault occurred in January 2023 at a residential property in Preston. Stanley attacked the defenceless toddler, who was barely 18 months old, forcefully gripping the youngster and landing repeated slaps across their body.
Medical examinations documented significant, visible bruising across the child’s face, thigh, bottom, and lower back resulting from the blows. Following the discovery of the injuries, Stanley repeatedly lied during inquiries, denying any role in causing the harm and attempting to shift responsibility onto third parties. Police confirmed that although the victim did not suffer long-term physical damage, the trauma and severity of the violence inflicted were substantial.
Under the provisions of Section 49 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, any child involved in cruelty, neglect, or assault proceedings is entitled to automatic, lifelong statutory anonymity. Publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating any details, names, addresses, or images capable of leading to the public identification of the child victim is strictly prohibited under UK law.
Following his conviction for the physical abuse, the trial judge handed down an immediate custodial sentence of two years’ imprisonment. Under standard determinate sentencing provisions, Stanley is required to serve 50 per cent of the two-year term behind bars before release on licence under probation supervision, subject to strict conditions and recall.
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