Dad admits abusing 3-month-old son; baby has severe permanent brain damage (United Kingdom)

Dad is identified as RICHARD LOVELL.

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/2013/04/25/chester-father-admits-inflicting-gbh-against-his-baby-son-59067-33231766/

Chester father admits inflicting GBH against his baby son

Apr 25 2013
Chester Chronicle

A FATHER pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm against his three-month-old son in a ‘baby shaking’ case at Chester Crown Court.

Richard Lovell, 25, a chef of Treborth Road, Blacon, whose chest bears a tattoo featuring his son’s name and date of birth, was originally prosecuted last year but the case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.

However, the CPS warned it was likely to re-instigate proceedings.

Judge David Hale, sitting at Chester Crown Court on Monday, heard the defence argue there was ‘no intention to cause really serious harm’.

Lovell had denied grievous bodily harm with intent against his young son R-Jay Lovell, now aged 17 months, but admitted inflicting GBH.

However, Judge Hale commented: “But the shaking that he did do has had a terrible effect.”

The incident happened at an address in Chapel Lane, Chester, on February 6, 2012.

It is understood the brain injuries will result in severe permanent brain damage and visual impairment.

Lovell, a former amateur boxer, who has two other children from another relationship, will be sentenced on May 24 after the Probation Service has compiled a report.

The judge told Lovell: “The fact I’m adjourning the case for a report and renewing your bail should give you no indication as to the outcome. For the moment, you are free to go.”

Previous hearings have been told the infant was taken to hospital by Mr Lovell following a 999 call in which it was said the child was not breathing.

Medics found the baby, who was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital on November 13, 2011, had bleeds to his brain and hundreds of haemorrhages in both eyes.

The infant, who was also found to have a fractured left forearm, was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool but is now believed to be at home with his mother.