Man who broke ribs of 25-day-old baby jailed

A man who broke a 25-day-old baby's ribs has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Joshua Grant, 32, from Reading, admitted breaking two of the baby's ribs and causing them brain, spinal and retinal haemorrhaging in March 2023.

He also punched a security guard in the face at the Tesco Express in Bath Road, Reading, in January this year. Grant left the man with lasting injuries to his teeth, before he fled with stolen goods.

He was found guilty in his absence of robbery and theft relating to those offences and was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Monday.

Det Con Sam Haselgrove, from Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit, said: "Joshua Grant caused extremely serious injuries to a defenceless baby who was just 25 days old.

"The harm he inflicted could have had devastating consequences, and I am pleased he has now been held accountable for his actions."

Haselgrove added: "Grant's offending was not limited to this incident. He also used violence against a shop worker who was simply carrying out his duties.

"I welcome the sentence imposed by the court and hope it provides reassurance that offenders who commit such serious crimes will be brought to justice."