Parents facing jail for cruelty to baby

A mother and father have both been found guilty of assault and neglect of their four-month old son.

Charlotte and Christopher Sheldon were yesterday both found guilty of two charges relating to the abuse of their son Ethan.

Each is guilty of assaulting and neglecting their son Ethan in the first four months of his life. He was found to have broken bones and bruises after a routine call by a health visitor in October 2010.

Both Christopher, aged 32, and 24-year-old Charlotte blamed each other for causing the injuries and denied all charges. They are now separated and going through divorce proceedings.

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Christopher Sheldon, of Bridgetown, Totnes, and Charlotte Sheldon, of Sefton Avenue, Lipson, each denied two charges.

Each was accused of "ill-treating or assaulting" Ethan between his birth in May 2010 and that October.

The pair were also charged with "neglect or exposing" him between the same dates in failing to seek medical attention.

Judge Paul Darlow, finishing his summing-up yesterday, told the jury: "This is an important case from Ethan's point of view and from Christopher Sheldon's and Charlotte Sheldon's points of view. You must not feel rushed in delivering your verdicts. You will have all the time you reasonably need."

The case was adjourned for sentencing, and the pair have been told jail is "inevitable".