Paedophile who ignored baby's injuries jailed for year

A convicted paedophile was today jailed for neglecting a newborn baby by failing to seek medical aid for the child's injuries.

Paul Henman, 21, allowed the three-week-old girl to suffer four broken ribs and a damaged ankle in his care. He even took her to a party, where she constantly screamed in agony. Guests insisted he take her to doctors, which he did not do until 9pm the next day. He admitted he was sickened by the sound of the baby's broken back but had done nothing.

The judge at Snaresbrook crown court said the baby had been subjected to an "extremely serious assault" and was neglected between 6 and 16 March last year. Henman, of Bow, and partner Rachel Carl, 20, of Poplar, were last month cleared of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Henman, who had previously been jailed for sex acts with a teenage girl, admitted child cruelty and was jailed for a year. Carl was acquitted of the same charge.

Today's sentencing came on the anniversary of the death of Baby P. Balloons and toys were left at a vigil at the north London grave of the 17-month-old boy, who died of injuries inflicted by his mother's boyfriend two years ago.