A couple in their late thirties have been jailed today for serious abuse offences against a very young child.
Amanda Fulton, 36, and 35-year-old Christopher Fulton, have both been sentenced today for charges including, causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm, child cruelty and grievous bodily harm with intent.
They were jailed at Newry Crown Court.
Christopher received a 22-year custodial sentence and Amanda received a four year custodial sentence, to spend two years on license.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert, said: “On Thursday, November 7, 2019 we were contacted by Regional Emergency Social Services regarding a very young child with suspected non accidental injuries. Further scans and hospital tests then revealed sickening abusive injuries that at a time were believed to be potentially life threatening.
“The very young child in question suffered a fractured skull and bleed on the brain, significant bruising, a laceration to the liver, as well as suspected fractured ribs and other fractures.
The child now suffers from severe dystonic cerebral palsy, is effectively blind, has an intellectual disability, has epilepsy, can only communicate by crying and cannot be comforted when crying. He is fed by a feeding tube and has a life limiting condition.
DCI Gilbert continued: “It is horrifying to think there are children suffering in this way behind closed doors at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect them.
“We work around the clock with our emergency service partners and social services to try to put a stop to child abuse and bring perpetrators before the courts as we have done today.
“Let today serve as a warning to those hurting children. You can only go undetected for so long, we are vigilant and we will take action. If you believe a child to be in danger in any way, contact us. Report. Don’t question your gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right, you won’t be wasting our time by picking up the phone. You could save a child’s life.”
