Jail after 'grave' attack on baby

Jail after 'grave' attack on baby

21 March, 2002

A former missionary from County Armagh has been sentenced to 12 months in jail after admitting causing grievous bodily harm to a 14-month-old baby boy.

Geoffrey Briggs, who had adopted the boy from Romania, appeared before Craigavon Crown Court on Thursday.

The court heard how Mr Briggs and his wife Gwen had adopted twin baby boys in July 2000 after rigorous assessment by social workers in Northern Ireland.

However in October of that year, one of the boys, David died.

'Very grave'

Just 13 days later, his twin, who cannot be named to protect his identity was brought by the Briggs' to Craigavon Area Hospital.

They told medical staff there that he appeared clammy and his head was floppy.

Doctors noticed a swelling on his head and x-rays revealed that he had a fractured skull.

Mr Briggs initially denied causing the injury but four days later admitted to a social worker and later police that he had lost control when the baby resisted his efforts to administer Calpol.

He said he punched him on the head with his fist.

Judge John Curran said Mr Briggs' attack on the baby was "beyond the pale" and "very grave".

He added that a probation order was a "non-starter" and he sent Mr Briggs to prison for 12 months.