A man has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for attempting to murder a four-month-old baby by shaking him so hard that he was left with life-changing injuries. Marc Lannen, 34, was convicted of the crime at the High Court in Glasgow. The incident took place while Lannen was looking after the child at a property in Dundee in August 2018. Despite denying the allegations and claiming that the baby had become unwell due to excessive soothing, five doctors concluded that the injuries were non-accidental and resulted from “abusive head trauma.”
During the sentencing, Lord Young highlighted the severity of the baby’s injuries and the long-term impact it would have on him. He noted that the child’s life was saved by the medical team at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but emphasized that he would likely suffer some form of permanent impairment. The court heard that medics believed the baby had been violently shaken for a sustained period of time, resulting in a serious brain injury. Without prompt medical intervention, the child could have died within hours.
Throughout the trial, Lannen provided little explanation for his actions, leading the judge to express the difficulty in understanding the motives behind the crime. The child’s mother testified that she had left Lannen in charge of the baby while she went out with her brother. Since the incident, the child has required additional support at school and regular assessments from a consultant paediatrician.
Defense counsel Michael Meehan noted that Lannen’s denial during the trial was consistent with his position in a pre-sentencing background report. The judge stressed that the true extent of the child’s injuries may not be fully known for many years. Lannen’s lack of explanation for his actions and the gravity of the offence were key factors in the sentencing decision.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to impose a 12-year jail term reflects the seriousness of the crime and the long-lasting impact it has had on the young victim. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and holding perpetrators of child abuse fully accountable for their actions.