A man has been jailed for assaulting his 26-day-old baby son. Ernest Oakley, of Swanton Road, Norwich, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, 30 September, after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.
Injuries and hospital visits
The court heard that in November 2023, Oakley took the baby to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, claiming another young child had accidentally kicked him in the head while he was on the sofa. When the baby later became unwell, he was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where doctors raised concerns with police about Oakley's account.
Investigation and sentencing
Oakley was arrested on 29 November 2023. After a detailed investigation, he was charged in April 2024. He initially denied involvement but changed his plea when a trial date was set, admitting he had lashed out while drunk at someone holding the baby, inadvertently striking the infant.
Sentencing Oakley to 14 months imprisonment, Judge Katharine Moore said: "You have assaulted your 26 day old son, having lashed out (at someone else) in temper, whilst drunk. Your infant son, albeit not intended but through recklessness, was struck also - causing an elevated area to the right-hand side of his head."
Police response
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."
