Man jailed for 15 years for attacking a newborn baby
Kristian Hagan, 24, was found guilty of causing 28 injuries
Detectives have praised the partnership approach which saw a violent offender who injured a baby jailed.
Kristian Hagan, of no fixed abode, attacked the newborn causing 28 injuries including broken ribs, collar bone, legs and arms as well as bruising to the stomach.
It was the response from partners, including professionals at hospital, that allowed for a swift investigation to be launched by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department and Hagan being identified as a potential suspect.
The 24-year-old was subsequently charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm and two counts of actual bodily harm.
However, he denied the offences.
The case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court in March this year where a jury found him guilty after a trial.
On Friday, he was handed a 15-year sentence at the same court and detectives have praised the partnership approach that has seen Hagan brought to justice.
Lead detective, Sergeant Will Kemp, said:
“This has been a really challenging case for everyone involved and it truly has been a team effort not only within the Force but also our partners, including the medical professionals who gave evidence and the Crown Prosecution Service.
"It has been this joined-up approach that has ultimately seen a dangerous man put behind bars.
"Thankfully, incidents of this nature on such a young victim are rare and we will continue to work collaboratively to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities."
Jim Hope, Senior District Crown Prosecutor, at CPS North East said:
“The injuries sustained by the young victim in this case were substantial and it is difficult to comprehend what could have motivated Kristian Hagan to carry out these attacks against a newborn baby.
“The close working relationship between Northumbria Police and the Crown Prosecution Service has been instrumental in building such a robust case against Hagan, and we welcome the significant sentence that he has received as a result.”
Anyone who has any concerns about abuse or concerns for a child is urged to contact police via the Tell Us Something pages on the Northumbria Police website or contact 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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