A man who sought out a mother on a dating app with the intention of sexually abusing her infant has been sentenced to life in prison.
Christopher Phillips, aged 34, actively searched for a baby on Tinder and then focused on the mother of the child after seeing a photo of her holding the newborn. He identified her vulnerability and callously took advantage of it, making every effort to have unrestricted access to the child, as disclosed in court.
Phillips committed multiple offenses against the infant boy, identified only as Baby C, causing injuries likened to being struck by a vehicle. Judge Paul Thomas KC, who issued a life sentence to Phillips, referred to this case as the most distressing he has encountered in his four-decade tenure.
In a statement read to the court, the baby’s grandmother expressed profound horror and devastation experienced by the family.
During a trial at Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that authorities were alerted to suspected intentional injuries inflicted on the baby when he was taken to Glangwili Hospital via ambulance on January 24, 2021.
Medical examinations showed that the infant had suffered a fractured ankle and wrist, six fractured ribs, a fractured skull, and a brain hemorrhage.
Phillips was convicted last month on charges of sexually assaulting the infant through penetration, causing bodily harm, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was acquitted of certain charges but was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years and 25 days. The mother of the baby was found not guilty of charges related to allowing harm and neglect of the child.
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