Pair jailed for fracturing child's skull
Durham PoliceTwo people have been jailed for abusing a child who was left with permanent brain damage after fracturing their skull.
Teesside Crown Court heard the child, who can not be named for legal reasons, may have been swung or thrown against a wall or floor of a house in May.
Craig Neill, 26, and 21-year-old Amy Cave were convicted by a jury last month of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.
During sentencing, Judge Jonathan Carroll described Neill as a "dangerous offender" responsible for the "vast majority" of the violence but said Cave had also slapped the child and failed to prevent the abuse.
Neill, of Yarm Road in Darlington, was jailed for 13 years with an additional year on extended licence while Cave, of Waltham Close, Darlington, was jailed for 10 years.
Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said there had been a "sustained period of physical abuse" over weeks that left the child with fractures to the wrists and jaw, as well as extensive bruising across their body and burns to their hand.
Mr Perks said while paramedics fought to save the child's life, drug dealer Neill fled the scene.
Judge Carroll said it was likely somebody swung the child and caused their head to hit a hard surface and he was satisfied it was Neill who inflicted the injury.
The court heard Neill had previous convictions for violence and showed no remorse.
"I am satisfied that Craig Neill is a significant risk to the public," said Judge Carroll.
"He is a dangerous offender."
The court heard the child was making progress but would have permanent health problems as a result of the injuries.
