A man who smacked a newborn baby in the face has escaped an immediate prison sentence.
Lewis Brimble, 24, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday) to be sentenced after admitting a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Crown prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the defendant, of Sangster Avenue, Melksham, was witnessed hitting the youngster with the open palm of his hand – leaving red marks.
The baby was rushed to hospital and underwent numerous examinations and scans following the violent attack but luckily avoided any long-lasting injuries.
The court heard how Brimble has anger issues, often consumes too much alcohol and smokes cannabis.
In custody, he told police in interview that he’d not been drinking and had not taken any drugs in the hours before the incident. He initially denied the assault but pleaded guilty at the first hearing.
The child’s mother, in a statement read out by Mr Ballinger, said that the victim is “scared of voices and loud noises” and “struggles to accept some people”.
He added that it is unclear if the youngster has suffered any lasting psychological harm due to their age.
Addressing Brimble, District Judge Joanna Dickens said: “It’s incredibly serious to assault anybody, but to assault a baby is just off the scale – particularly as this child was so incredibly young.
“It’s quite extraordinary that anyone would act in the way you did; it’s about as serious as it gets. It is very rare for this court to see assaults on children so young.
“You yourself have some issues but you’re able to work, you’re able to function. This was a terrible action by you, I accept it was in the heat of the moment.
“Nothing can take back your actions on that particular day. It’s unfortunate you didn’t apologise in the interview.
Judge Dickens imposed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years. She told Brimble to complete 35 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work. He must pay a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.
She reserved breaches of the order to herself – telling the defendant she will send him straight to prison should he return to court for failing to complete what’s been asked of him.
