A heart-wrenching case has concluded with the sentencing of a stepfather found guilty of murdering his 10-month-old stepson, who was discovered lifeless in his cot with numerous injuries. Following a seven-week trial at Derby Crown Court, Craig Crouch, 39, was convicted of murder and three counts of child cruelty. The court heard harrowing details of the child’s injuries, leading to the decision to imprison Crouch for life, with a minimum term of 28 years.
Gemma Barton, 33, the child’s mother, was cleared of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter. However, she was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and one count of child cruelty. Barton has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The tragic incident unfolded on December 30, 2020, when emergency services were called to the family home in Foxley Chase, Linton, near Swadlincote in Derbyshire. Jacob Crouch, the 10-month-old infant, was found critically ill and was later pronounced dead at the Royal Derby Hospital. A post-mortem examination revealed that he had suffered at least 39 rib fractures and died from peritonitis, an infection of the stomach, caused by traumatic bowel perforation. The severity of the injuries painted a horrifying picture of abuse and violence inflicted upon the defenceless child.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Crouch calmly called for an ambulance after checking on Jacob in his cot, telling the call handler that he was “stone cold.” However, paramedics arrived to find the infant already deceased, despite Crouch’s claims that he was “fine” just two hours prior to the tragic discovery.
The court heard that Crouch was “domineering, aggressive, boastful, and arrogant,” and the abuse inflicted on Jacob was described as “intense and prolonged harm.” The prosecution emphasised that Crouch had caused severe injuries to the child, including numerous rib fractures that required significant force to inflict.
Prosecutor Mary Prior KC highlighted that 22 of the rib fractures occurred in the week leading up to Jacob’s death, with the symptoms of the injuries evident to any parent. The trial revealed disturbing messages exchanged between Crouch and Barton, showing a pattern of abusive behaviour towards the infant.
In sentencing Crouch, Mr. Justice Kerr remarked that Jacob had endured “acute physical and mental suffering” and that Crouch had displayed no remorse for his actions. The court recognised that if either of the parents had sought medical help for the child’s severe injuries, Jacob’s life could have been saved.
Barton’s defence argued that she was “coerced and controlled” by Crouch and failed to protect her son on the fatal night when she should have been aware of the risk posed by her partner. Barton will serve a 10-year sentence for her involvement in the child’s death.
The trial’s harrowing details shed light on the tragic loss of a young life, prompting reflections on the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse and maltreatment. As the community mourns the loss of Jacob, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and support for children at risk. Organisations such as the NSPCC continue to advocate for child safety and provide help and advice to those concerned about a child’s well-being.
