A couple whose actions left a child with a significant brain injury requiring a section of skull to be temporarily removed have been convicted following a trial. Emergency services were called to a house in the Branksome area of Darlington on the afternoon of May 26 following reports that a baby had become unresponsive.
The child was found to have extensive bruising across her whole body, including her head and neck, as well as burns to her hand and also suffered a fractured jaw and both her wrists were broken in three places. The child was rushed to hospital where doctors confirmed she had a fractured skull and significant brain injury, requiring a section of her skull to be temporarily removed to ease the swelling and allow for specialist treatment to be carried out.
Amy Cave and her new partner, Craig Neill, were arrested and taken into police custody, where they were questioned about the incident. The pair denied being responsible for the child’s injuries – which medical experts described as being caused by “blunt force” and, in the absence of a significant road traffic collision, highly likely to have been inflicted deliberately.
Cave, 20, of Waltham Close, in Darlington, was charged with causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm, while Neill, 26, of Yarm Road, in Darlington, was charged with causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm. The pair pleaded not guilty to the offences and went on trial at Teesside Crown Court, where the jury were told that the child was seen with bruising on her face in the days leading up to the incident.
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Prosecutors told the court that Cave, who had been in her new relationship for several weeks at the time of the incident, claimed the injuries were caused by the child hitting her head on a coffee table by accident. The court also heard how her new partner’s violent past had caused Cave’s family concern.
In police interviews, Neill denied harming the child and initially denied being present when she sustained her brain injury. Cave similarly denied Neill was present at the time of the incident, but, when confronted with evidence disproving her claims, later admitted she was lying to protect her partner because “she loved him.”
Phone analysis found Neill had sent Cave text messages shortly after the incident saying: “Don’t say ‘owt about me Amy,” and “Promise me on her life you won’t. I’ll get locked straight up.”
During the trial, the pair had to be warned about their conduct by Judge Jonathan Carroll. Neill also became increasingly angry while giving his evidence and when warned about his behaviour told the judge: “I don’t give a f**k mate, I’m not answering any more questions.”
Today, November 7, the jury found both defendants guilty of the offences and they were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing. Detective Sergeant Melissa Lamb, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “This has been a harrowing investigation for all involved.
“My thoughts and those of all the investigation team are firmly with the child, her family, and those who care about her, as they have endured extraordinary suffering over the last few months. The child was discharged from hospital this summer and is thankfully making a good recovery, despite everything she has endured.
“The actions of the paramedics and police officers at the house and subsequent medical staff undoubtedly saved her life. The actions of Amy Cave and Craig Neill are unforgivable.
“Rather than take any responsibility for their actions that day, which left a child with catastrophic injuries, they instead tried to lie in a callous attempt to save their own skin.
“I am pleased the jury have seen through their deception and convicted them today. I would also urge anyone who has concerns about those caring for children to speak out and ask for help – your actions could help stop a child from suffering abuse.”
Durham police say anyone who has any concerns about the welfare of a child should contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency; your local children’s social care team: https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse-to-local-council or the NSPCC.
