'Your children will not save you next time': Judge's warning as Leeds woman escapes jail for child cruelty
A Leeds woman has escaped jail on child cruelty charges.
The woman in her 20s, whose identity has been kept anonymous to protect the victim, was handed a suspended sentence at Leeds Crown Court this week after pleading guilty to cruelty to a child under 16 via wilful assault.
Prosecutor Eddison Flint told the court how the defendant endured a “hot and cold relationship” with the youngster, but after growing concerned that some of the child’s toys had been broken, the youngster’s father installed a CCTV camera in their bedroom.
The court was shown footage of the defendant forcibly dragging the child out of bed onto the floor, before walking out of the room. She then returned and forced the child’s head into the mattress three times - before leaving the child “visibly upset,” sitting on a pile of wet laundry.
In a victim impact statement read by Mr Flint, detailed how the child now struggled with daily night terrors, and sets up their toys to protect themselves. He heartbreakingly described the child’s general demeaner as “sadder and less smiley.”
The court heard the child was “shattered” by the incident.
In mitigation, defence counsel Rhianydd Clement said her client was “devastated and disgusted” by her behaviour. The defendant admitted the crime in her first police interview and is keen to engage with the probation service.
Ms Clement added that her client, who has no previous criminal convictions and two children of her own, had become “angry and stressed” as a result of growing issues.
Sentencing the case, Judge Robin Mairs told the defendant to remember that “at the heart of this case is a young child quite clearly disturbed and affected by your actions.” And that as a mother herself, she should know that all crimes against children “leave a legacy and a mark.”
He sentenced her to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, plus 10 activity rehabilitation days and 150 hours of unpaid work. “Your children will not save you next time,” he warned her.