A SUFFOLK man who left a baby disabled after a violent assault has been jailed for three years.

Jane Hunt

A SUFFOLK man who left a baby disabled after a violent assault has been jailed for three years.

As a result of the attack the child was left partially sighted and suffering from seizures and is not expected to reach the age of 20, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Before the court was Peter Hadden, 26, of York Crescent, Claydon, who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on the infant.

Jailing Hadden for three years Judge Peter De Mille said the child had suffered life threatening injuries, and would have to live with the consequences of what he had done for what was clearly a shortened life span.

“These were injuries of the gravest consequence,” said the judge.

Matthew McNiff prosecuting said that the child was sent to Ipswich Hospital after being seen by a GP and was then transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with life threatening head injuries.

He said the injuries were plainly non-accidental.

Mr McNiff said the child had been left with severely limited sight, difficulties in feeding and suffering daily seizures.

He said the youngster would need physical care for the rest of its life and was not expected to reach its 20th birthday.

He said that after initially denying causing the child's serious injuries Hadden had admitted violent assault.

Roger Thomson for Hadden said his client was remorseful and would have to live with what he had done for the rest of his life.

Mr Thomson said the incident was not premeditated.

He said Hadden had no history of violence and was “a bit of a Walter Mitty” character.

He had feelings of inadequacy and had been on anti-depressants since the incident.