A FATHER who inflicted life-changing injuries on his baby daughter has been jailed for 14 years.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent after his baby daughter sustained the injuries whilst in his care last year.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison after the jury found him guilty on Friday, February 15.

In March 2018, police received a report from Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with concerns for the welfare of a young baby who was admitted with head injuries.

Hospital staff found that the 11-week-old girl had sustained numerous injuries, which were believed to have been caused by her father.

He denied this throughout the trial.

Detective Inspector Lucie Smith of the child abuse investigation team said: "This man has assaulted his own child to the extent that she has suffered life-changing injuries. It is our responsibility to ensure that parents who abuse their children are brought to justice.

"We have worked closely with social care, health professionals and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that all the available evidence was presented to the court.

"This case, although devastating, will assist us to closely consider how together we can help prevent further cases of child abuse.

"It saddens us that the victim, a vulnerable 11-week old baby, had been subjected to such extreme physical abuse.

"We can only hope that she continues to thrive and despite her injuries, she is regularly described as a happy, contented little girl.

"We would urge all parents and caregivers of babies to familiarise themselves with the ICON initiative – designed to help parents cope with their babies crying and providing practical steps to calm them, and advice on what to do when the crying won’t stop. "

For further information, visit their website iconcope.org.