Grandmother Seeks Justice for Granddaughter After Horrific Abuse by Convicted Man
A grandmother from Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, is calling for severe punishment for Mark Tannahill, 38, after he was convicted of inflicting grievous harm on her granddaughter, the child of her late daughter who passed away from cancer shortly after childbirth. The distressing ordeal began when Tannahill subjected the newborn to severe physical abuse, resulting in fractured ribs and a skull fracture, during a period of unspeakable tragedy for the family.
The grandmother, 56, shared the harrowing tale of losing her daughter to ovarian cancer only eight weeks postpartum, after a premature delivery necessitated by an aggressive tumor diagnosis. Amidst this family crisis, Tannahill’s violent actions towards the vulnerable infant added unimaginable anguish, with signs of abuse evident even before the family had the chance to mourn the mother’s passing.
Recalling the early signs of abuse, the grandmother narrated an incident where Tannahill was overheard aggressively shouting at the crying infant, a behavior that deeply alarmed her. Despite the family’s attempt to support Tannahill during this tumultuous period, his abusive behavior towards the baby escalated, leading the grandmother to take decisive action.
With a background in healthcare, the grandmother grew increasingly concerned as she noticed unexplained bruises on the baby, particularly distressing during the day of her daughter’s funeral. Her instincts and professional advice led her to seek medical evaluation for the baby, revealing the extent of the physical harm and resulting in the child being placed under her care.
The trial’s conclusion, coinciding closely with Mother’s Day, brought a semblance of justice for the grandmother and her late daughter, who had longed to become a mother. The young survivor, now nearing three years of age, is thriving under her grandmother’s care, marking a poignant victory over the adversity faced by the family.
Tannahill faces sentencing next month, with the grandmother and the broader community advocating for a sentence that reflects the severity of his actions, underscoring the imperative for justice and protection for the most vulnerable.