York man jailed for ‘sickening’ attacks on six week old baby

A York man has been jailed for inflicting serious injuries on a baby girl and for threatening a woman with a knife.

Gareth Sean Harley, aged 23, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to the baby in 2012 and causing a woman to fear violence when he brandished a knife two years later.

He was sentenced at York Crown Court on Friday, August 29, when the judge sent him to prison for three-and-a-half years.

The case began on December 21, 2012 when authorities in York discovered a six-week-old baby girl had suffered serious inflicted injuries which included several fractured ribs.

The knife incident occurred on 27 March 2014 in York when Harley threatened a woman.

Working together, police and partner agencies secured Harley’s conviction and the long-term safety of the child who has since made a full recovery.

DC Theresa Wright of North Yorkshire Police’s protecting vulnerable persons unit led the investigation.

She said: “This case is a good example of how cohesively local partner agencies combine their experience and skills to safeguard the vulnerable and prosecute those responsible for such inexcusable and sickening acts of violence.

“I would like to pay tribute to the NSPCC, health care professionals and social services who all played pivotal roles in this case.

“Also to the often unseen but invaluable support of volunteer foster carers who provide safety and stability for those children who have no voice at their time of crisis.”