"Heartbreaking Abuse: Couple Leaves One-Year-Old with Fractured Skull, Burns, and Broken Wrists"

AN abusive couple who left a one-year-old child with a fractured skull, burns, and broken wrists have been sentenced to over 20 years in prison.

Craig Neill, 26, and Amy Cave, 21, inflicted horrifically painful injuries on the child, which were likely the result of “sadistic behavior and significant force,” the court was informed.

Craig Neill has received a 14-year extended prison sentence, with 13 years to be served in custodyCredit: Durham Constabulary

Emergency services were dispatched to a residence in the Branksome area on May 26, following a report of an unresponsive child.

The child was discovered with extensive bruising across their body, including their head and neck, as well as burns on their hand, a fractured jaw, and broken wrists in three places.

The child was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed a fractured skull and significant brain injury, necessitating the temporary removal of a section of skull to reduce swelling.

Neill and Cave were arrested in connection with the incident but denied responsibility for the child's injuries.

Medical experts stated that the injuries were caused by “blunt force” and were likely inflicted intentionally.

Both Cave and Neill were jointly charged with causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

During their trial at Teesside Crown Court, they pleaded not guilty but were ultimately found guilty.

They returned to court on Wednesday afternoon for sentencing.

The court was informed that the majority of the physical injuries were inflicted by Neill.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks stated that the child had sustained “life-threatening injuries” and burns that would have been “extremely painful.”

Mr. Perks also noted that the child had suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Some injuries, such as the burns, displayed signs of “sadistic behavior,” and “significant force” was used.

The court also learned that while Cave had no prior convictions, Neill had eight previous convictions for 14 offenses, including racially aggravated harassment, robbery involving a knife, and stalking a former partner.

Defending Neill, Peter Wilcock KC, claimed he “thoroughly maintains his innocence” and has mental health issues.

He added: “He had adverse childhood experiences… evidently, Mr. Neill’s account was not accepted by the jury.”

Nicholas Lumley KC, representing Cave, stated that she had failed to recognize she was in a “toxic relationship.”

Judge Jonathan Carroll remarked that Neill had acted aggressively during the trial and showed “no evidence of remorse.”

He described Neill as “a man who was barely in control of himself and his temper” and deemed him a dangerous offender.

Neill was sentenced to a 14-year extended sentence, with 13 years to be served in custody.

Cave received a 10-year prison sentence.

The judge emphasized that neither had provided truthful accounts regarding the child's injuries.

Amy Cave has been sentenced to 10 years in prisonCredit: Durham Constabulary ### Table of Contents 1. Overview of the Case 2. Details of the Injuries 3. Arrest and Charges 4. Court Proceedings 5. Sentencing 6. Additional Information ### FAQ

What were the injuries sustained by the child?

The child suffered a fractured skull, burns on their hand, extensive bruising, a fractured jaw, and broken wrists in three places.

What sentences did Craig Neill and Amy Cave receive?

Craig Neill was sentenced to a 14-year extended prison sentence, with 13 years to be served in custody. Amy Cave received a 10-year prison sentence.

What was the court's finding regarding the couple's behavior?

The court found that both Neill and Cave inflicted serious injuries on the child, with indications of sadistic behavior and significant force used.