A man who murdered his 10-month-old stepson in a 'brutal' assault has been given a life sentence and told he must serve a minimum of 28 years in prison. Craig Crouch, 39, was convicted of the murder of Jacob Crouch, who died alone in his cot on 30 December 2020 at their home in Linton, Derbyshire.
The seven-week trial heard that Jacob had suffered at least 39 rib fractures, with 22 occurring in the week of his death, as well as significant bruising. The fatal injury was a 'brutal blow or blows to his abdomen', causing a tear to his bowel and peritonitis. A forensic pathologist said such injuries are normally seen in car crash victims or those who have fallen from a height.
Jacob's mother, Gemma Barton, 33, was cleared of murder but found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child. The judge said she was coerced and controlled by Crouch, and had also been treated for breast cancer since her arrest. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Sentencing Crouch, Mr Justice Kerr said he had caused Jacob 'acute physical and mental suffering'. He described Jacob as 'a happy, smiling, bubbly baby who never complained about the horrific treatment he was receiving'. The judge also noted Crouch had lied about his background, claiming to be a company director and on a six-figure salary when he was actually a warehouse forklift driver.
Prosecutors said neither parent gave Jacob the care he needed, and that he could have survived had medical help been called sooner. The couple called 999 claiming they had found Jacob unresponsive in his cot.
