James Carruthers and Kelly Mumby – both 22 – failed to seek urgent medical attention for their five-week-old son.

The News & Star was previously banned from naming the couple but yesterday Judge Paul Batty QC lifted reporting restrictions allowing us to name and shame the pair.

Carruthers, of Westfield View, Flimby, and Mumby, of Garnet Road, Beaston, Leeds, were convicted of child cruelty after a trial at Carlisle Crown Court in July.

They were back in court yesterday when Judge Batty QC jailed Carruthers for six months and Mumby for four months.

He said: “You were the natural parents of that baby and as such primarily responsible for the welfare of that child.

“You left a five-week-old baby with a fracture for in excess of 24 hours. The child would have had pain and suffering. You only took the child to the doctor because
pressure was coming from other sources.

“Babies must be protected and parents have that responsibility. You did not take that child for prompt medical attention and I view that as very serious indeed.”

Prosecutor Kim Whittlestone told the court: “They took the baby to the doctor on February 18 last year because he had swelling in his right leg. The doctor advised
the parents to take him to accident and emergency.

“The doctor felt that the parents were not as co-operative as they could have been. It was obvious that the baby was in considerable pain and a fracture was
suspected.

“Carruthers was asked how the injury occurred and he said that he had rolled onto the baby two days previously when he was asleep.

“A relative had mentioned on the Sunday that the baby needed assistance. Although James Carruthers was aware of this he did not seek medical assistance until the
Monday.”

Rod Halligan, defending Carruthers, said: “My client has an abnormally low level of intelligence. He does express regret to any suffering caused to the child”

Brendan Burke, for Mumby, said: “My client is of abnormally low intellect. She now lives in Leeds with her mother.”

The court was told that the baby is up for adoption.

Filed in Mycloudinsky, society on Thursday, August 20, 2009 · No Comments »