Man jailed for 'cruel, inexcusable' torture of newborn baby
WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: A Queensland man whose “persistent” torture caused a newborn baby’s death could walk free from jail in 2021.
Baby Paige was only 31 days old when she died from blunt force trauma in September 2012, with authorities later finding the majority of her tiny body had injuries.
Michael John Humphreys, who was the partner of Paige’s mother at the time, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and on Friday was sentenced to nine years jail.
Baby Paige died from a blunt force trauma. Source: 7 News
A Queensland court heard baby Paige suffered almost a lifetime of "gratuitous" violence at the hands of Humphreys, who had a “disturbing” criminal history and was using the drug ice at the time.
"It is inconceivable that one human being could do that to a baby of that age," Justice David Boddice said.
"It is more than inconceivable that a person in a position of trust and a position of care could do that to a defenceless baby.
"There is no doubt that the offence is properly to be described as callous, cruel, calculated, deliberate and inexcusable."
The court heard the horrific allegations against Humphreys. Source: 7 News
The Brisbane Supreme Court heard Paige endured repeated blows to the back of her head, a blunt object had been forced into her mouth like a finger or pacifier, her limbs had been either twisted or shaken and a hand print shaped bruise was found on her spine.
Despite this Justice Boddice found a jail sentence of 10 years was "not justified".
Paige's mother Sarah Mooney speaks outside court. Source: 7 News
Paige's mother Sarah Mooney told the court she lived in constant fear of Humphreys, who claims to have suffered brain damage after being kicked in the head by a horse as a young child.
"We have been living in a never-ending nightmare," Ms Mooney said.
Given time already spent in custody and his eligibility for parole, Humphreys could be released from prison in 2021.
Baby Paige. Source: 7 News
