A man caused severe brain injuries and blindness to his infant child after losing control following heavy drinking. Christopher Yates endangered his seven-month-old baby’s life by violently shaking him, resulting in injuries akin to those from a high-speed collision. The incident occurred shortly after Yates had gained custody of his son, despite his known struggles with alcohol.
Yates, residing in Swalwell, Gateshead, had custody of the baby even though he had a history of alcohol-related issues. On the night of the incident, the baby’s continuous crying prompted Yates to violently shake him and yell at him to be quiet before leaving him unattended for an hour. Yates attributed his actions to frustration and desperation, as reported by Chronicle Live. He delayed seeking medical help for his son and provided misleading information to medical staff about the incident.
Newcastle Crown Court learned that the baby, previously in foster care, was placed with Yates, who was ill-equipped to handle the responsibilities of parenthood, especially due to his alcohol and drug abuse. Family members had noticed his struggles and advised him to seek assistance, but Yates failed to do so. His family found the baby neglected on multiple occasions, with Yates displaying angry outbursts and neglectful behavior towards the infant.
Following the incident, the baby suffered life-threatening injuries, including brain bleeding, seizures, and eye hemorrhaging. Doctors initially feared for the baby’s life, and he now faces significant challenges and a shortened life expectancy. Yates, with a history of convictions, admitted to causing serious harm to the child and was sentenced to four years in prison.
In court, Judge Julie Clemitson described the incident as catastrophic, highlighting the severe impact on the child’s life. The foster family expressed deep regret over trusting Yates with the baby, who now faces a lifetime of disabilities and reliance on caregivers. Yates, influenced by his troubled past and mental health issues, expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging his inability to handle the responsibilities of caring for a child.
