A British mother and stepfather are currently on trial for the death of their infant son who allegedly passed away after severe abuse and torture.
According to Sky News, 10-month-old Jacob Crouch died of peritonitis in December 2020, an infection that affects the lining of abdominal organs, caused by a traumatic bowel injury. He was subsequently found lifeless in his crib at his home in Linton, Derbyshire.
The victim’s mother, Gemma Barton, 33, and his stepfather, Craig Crouch, 39, are facing murder and child cruelty charges, although both defendants deny the allegations.
During trial Wednesday at the Derby Crown Court, jurors heard how the defendants referred to Jacob as the “devil,” beat him, and force-fed him his own vomit, according to testimony.
Dr. Sarah Dixon, a consultant pediatrician, told the jury that the victim’s peritonitis was likely inflicted by a “kick, stamp, or punch.” She refuted the possibility that Jacob’s injuries could have been caused on his own, stating that it was “not remotely” feasible.
“Jacob suffered repeated physical abuse over a six-month period resulting in bruises to the face and body and many broken ribs,” Dixon told the court. “In my opinion, many of the bruises present at the time of death were inflicted injuries.”
Barton was seen sobbing uncontrollably as the doctor testified while Craig Couch reportedly sat in the dock and said nothing.
The Derbyshire Times reports that the jury saw numerous photos of Jacob taken before his death, with signs of abuse on his body. Barton allegedly said that the baby was prone to bruising easily, while the defense argued that it could be due to a possible blood disorder.
Dixon disagreed.
“In Jacob’s situation, personal history was that he was bruising far more than is usual for his age. If he had been born with a blood condition that made him prone to bleeding and bruising it would still require trauma to cause the bruising.”
“A baby with bleeding disorders does not tend to have a lot of bruises.”
According to the doctor, as babies with bleeding disorders become more mobile, it is typical for bruising to manifest in areas like the shins due to falls. Jacob, however, had bruising on his ears, face, back of legs, fingers, hips, and the “fleshy part of the cheek.”
As far as motive, prosecutors said that Craig Crouch told Barton in June 2020 to adopt a “more regimented” approach with Jacob. The pair is then accused of bathing the baby bleach and hitting him when he cried.
The trial continues. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Jacob Crouch/Handout]
