Father Jailed for Inflicting Brain Damage on Infant; Mother Receives Suspended Sentence
In a heart-wrenching case that has shaken the community of Rednal, 28-year-old Jordan Carrie has been sentenced to five years in prison for causing severe brain damage to his few-weeks-old son through violent shaking. The child’s mother, 23-year-old Keeleigh Watts, has avoided prison time, receiving a two-year suspended sentence, after both were found guilty of causing or allowing serious physical harm to their son during a distressing incident on June 13, 2020, shared from “The Mirror“.
The Birmingham Crown Court heard the chilling details of how Carrie, overwhelmed by impatience and unable to cope with the demands of newborn care, inflicted life-threatening injuries on his son, leading to brain and retinal bleeding. The child, who suffered a cardiac arrest following the assault, was placed in an induced coma and has since made a significant recovery, though the long-term effects remain uncertain.
Concerns about Carrie’s aggressive handling of his baby had been previously raised, with witnesses describing him as “heavy-handed”. On the fateful day, following an early morning feed, Carrie’s frustration with his son escalated, culminating in the tragic incident while Watts had returned to bed, trusting Carrie with the child’s care despite her reservations.
The court also delved into the complex dynamics between Carrie and Watts, highlighting Watts’ struggle to protect her son amidst Carrie’s intimidating behavior. Despite her awareness of Carrie’s parenting deficiencies and a previous violent incident during her pregnancy, Watts failed to act on her better judgment, leading to the catastrophic outcome.
Judge Sarah Buckingham addressed Carrie’s lack of patience and predisposition to agitation, possibly exacerbated by undiagnosed ADHD and Autism, as contributing factors to his actions. For Watts, the judge recognized her love and devotion to her son but criticized her inability to prioritize his safety over her relationship with Carrie.
The sentencing reflects the gravity of the harm inflicted on the child and underscores the paramount responsibility of parents to safeguard their children from harm. As Carrie begins his prison term and Watts embarks on a path of rehabilitation, the case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of vigilant childcare.