Man jailed after breaking baby's ribs by shaking and squeezing the crying child

A 20-year-old man has been jailed for six years after breaking a baby’s ribs by shaking and squeezing the crying child.

Liam Reeves was arrested after he allegedly punched the child in the stomach outside a supermarket.

The baby taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital where a CT scan showed healing fractures to the ribs.

Medics believed the injuries were between 10 and 21 days old, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Adrian Fleming told the court:

Reeves pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He has no previous convictions.

Robert Smith, mitigating, said the squeezing of the child was ‘momentary’ and lasted no more than 30 seconds.

He told the court:

Mr Smith said the defendant had mental health issues at the time - but conceded that was no excuse.

Judge David Fletcher accepted Reeves's remorse was genuine.

He will serve half of his sentence in prison and the rest on licence.