Preston man, 28, jailed for abusing baby

Simon Felton had claimed the child had fallen

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for nine years after he was convicted of abusing a baby.

Simon Felton, of Preston, had denied cruelty to a child and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent at a trial at Preston Crown Court.

The baby, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, suffered a fractured skull in October 2008.

Felton had claimed the child had fallen but medical experts found the injuries had been inflicted on him, police said.

Det Sgt Paul Hickey, of Lancashire Police, said: "This was a protracted investigation involving significant debate amongst medical practitioners both in court and at case conferences.

"This result provides justice for a young child who obviously relied on others to establish the truth surrounding the serious injuries sustained."