CLEVELAND Police welcomed the 30-month jail sentence given to a man who fractured a six-week-old baby's bones after losing his temper.

The case was brought to court by specialist officers from Cleveland Police’s Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Unit who worked with a local authority after social services staff highlighted the case to police several months ago.

Speaking today after the sentence was handed out to a 33-year-old man at Teesside Crown Court, officer in the case, Detective Sergeant Nicky Barker said: “This is one of the most distressing cases I have investigated during my policing career and it had a profound effect on all the agencies involved.

“The defendant inflicted almost unimaginable and horrific injuries on a tiny baby and left it until the last minute to plead guilty at family court earlier this summer.

“Because the defendant refused to immediately admit his actions, the rest of the family had to suffer further anguish and distress as it meant this complex and lengthy process continued over several months.

“On that note I’d like to thank my colleagues in the local authority social services department for their outstanding professionalism, support and assistance – this really was an excellent example of partnership working.

“I welcome the sentence passed today – we all have a part to play in protecting the most vulnerable members of society, and police and our partner agencies will do everything possible to bring to justice those who harm children.

“I hope the sentence also brings a degree of comfort to the child’s mother and I wish her and the family well for the future."

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Babies rely entirely on the adults around them for protection – but this case is a tragic example of the appalling harm that can be inflicted on them.

“We all have a duty to look out for children’s welfare – and to speak out if there are any concerns."

Anyone who has concerns for any child that they can contact police on 101 (or 999 if it’s an emergency).

You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org or to the NSPCC.

Their website is at www.nspcc.org.uk or you can phone them on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.