A violent and evil offender that attacked a newborn baby, leaving it with 28 horrific injuries, has been jailed for 15 years.

Kristian Hagan, of no fixed abode, attacked the baby causing 28 injuries including broken ribs, collar bone, legs and arms as well as bruising to the stomach, a court has heard.

An investigation was initially launched after partners, including professionals at hospital, identified the injuries to the newborn, and an enquiry was launched by Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department.

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In the early stages of the investigation, Hagan was identified as a potential suspect.

The 24-year-old was subsequently charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm and two counts of actual bodily harm.

However, he denied the offences.

The case was sent to Newcastle Crown Court in March this year where a jury found him guilty after a trial. 

On Friday (October 21), he was handed a 15-year sentence at the same court and detectives have praised the partnership approach that has seen Hagan brought to justice.

Following the sentencing, lead detective in the case, Sergeant Will Kemp, said: “This has been a really challenging case for everyone involved and it truly has been a team effort not only within the Force but also our partners, including the medical professionals who gave evidence and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"It has been this joined-up approach that has ultimately seen a dangerous man put behind bars.

"Thankfully, incidents of this nature on such a young victim are rare and we will continue to work collaboratively to help protect the most vulnerable in our communities."

Jim Hope, senior district crown prosecutor, at CPS North East added: “The injuries sustained by the young victim in this case were substantial and it is difficult to comprehend what could have motivated Kristian Hagan to carry out these attacks against a newborn baby.

“The close working relationship between Northumbria Police and the Crown Prosecution Service has been instrumental in building such a robust case against Hagan, and we welcome the significant sentence that he has received as a result.”

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