In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Carl James, then 41, of Watersedge Apartments, Tower Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court. James, a former support worker, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a “vile” and “vicious” attack on his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter. The court heard that he shook the defenceless infant so violently that she suffered potentially life-threatening brain injuries and bleeding behind her eyes.
The investigation revealed that the horrendous assault took place in just 30 minutes while the child’s mother, Kelly Parry, attended a counselling session. Carl James had previously expressed frustration through text messages, noting that the child had “never taken to him” and would cling to her mother. The prosecution described the incident as a “sustained attack” involving shaking and blunt force trauma that left the baby with extensive bruising to her head, back, and both ears.
During the trial, medical experts from Alder Hey Hospital testified that the force required to cause such internal bleeding was “obviously inappropriate.” While the toddler eventually made a good recovery, she was forced into foster care for nine months during the police investigation into her injuries. Judge Gary Woodhall noted that James showed “no emotion” and a complete lack of remorse throughout the proceedings, despite clear evidence that he had lost control of his temper due to the child’s crying.
As a result of his conviction for this serious act of violence, Carl James was jailed for seven years. While he was acquitted of a separate charge relating to a previous injury, the judge remained satisfied that he had acted out of frustration. James is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Merseyside Police, remaining under intensive supervision to protect children and the public. Any further violent behaviour or presence near the victim in New Brighton, Wirral, or Liverpool, Merseyside, will result in his immediate recall to prison.
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