Christopher Phillips

At Swansea Crown Court, Christopher Phillips, 34, from Kiln Park in Burton, was convicted of multiple serious offences against a 10-week-old infant referred to as Baby C. The incidents occurred in January 2021 in west Wales, where Phillips, who was not the child's father, had demanded unsupervised access to the baby, particularly for nappy changes.

Prosecutor Caroline Rees KC outlined to the jury that on 23 January 2021, the baby was described as a 'happy little baby' showing no signs of distress in a video recorded by his father. However, by the early hours of 24 January 2021, the infant was rushed to Glangwili Hospital with severe injuries, including a 'gaping tear in his anus'. Medical examination revealed additional trauma: a fractured ankle and wrist, six fractured ribs, a bleed on the brain, and a swollen testicle. Rees emphasised that these injuries coincided with Phillips taking a more hands-on role with the child, questioning why a 29-year-old man, not the father, would insist on 'unfettered access' and noting his 'clearly had a fascination with anal penetration'.

The jury found Phillips guilty of two counts of sexual assault by penetration against the infant, as well as assault causing actual bodily harm and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, relating to the fractured ribs, brain bleed, and injured testicle. He was acquitted of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and two alternative counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm concerning the fractured wrist and ankle. The baby's mother, whose identity is protected, was found not guilty of child neglect and allowing serious physical harm, and was discharged.

Judge Paul Thomas KC described the case as the 'most distressing' he had ever dealt with, adjourning proceedings for a pre-sentence report while indicating Phillips would receive an 'extremely long prison sentence', potentially extended. Phillips was remanded in custody and is required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for 16 January 2024.

This trial, reported by the Western Telegraph and drawing on court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, highlights the profound physical and sexual abuse inflicted on the vulnerable infant, with no coincidence in the timing of injuries following Phillips' increased involvement.