Ernest Oakley, 32, has been jailed for 14 months after admitting assaulting his 26-day-old son while drunk. The incident took place in November 2023, and the court heard that Oakley lashed out at someone holding the newborn, striking the baby in the process.
Hospital visit and arrest
Oakley took his son to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, claiming that another young child had accidentally kicked the newborn in the head while he was on the sofa. The baby became unwell and was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where doctors raised concerns with police about the father's account.
Oakley was arrested but continued to deny involvement in his son's injuries. It was only when a trial date was set that he admitted to lashing out while drunk at someone who was holding the newborn.
Court sentencing
At Norwich Crown Court, Judge Katharine Moore sentenced Oakley, of Swanton Road, Norwich, to 14 months imprisonment. He had pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). The court was told the infant was struck through the father's "recklessness", causing an elevated area to the right-hand side of his head.
Following sentencing, Detective Constable Rachel Woods from Norfolk Police's Child Abuse Investigation Unit said: "This was an especially upsetting case, where a tiny baby was injured. Our team is dedicated to protecting children of all ages and will continue to bring those who seek to harm them before the courts."
