Man charged with assault after baby left with 'life-threatening' injuries

A man has been charged with assault after a baby boy was left with “life-threatening injuries” following an incident on Sunday.

Greater Manchester Police were called by medical staff over the weekend due to concerns related to a four-month-old baby’s injuries when the infant was taken to hospital.

Benjamin Welsh, a 20-year-old from Walkden, Salford, has been charged with section 18 assault and remanded in custody to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The offence is considered to be the most serious form of assault, bar murder or manslaughter, and refers to either “wounding with intent” or “causing grievous bodily harm with intent”.

Officers said on Tuesday that a man and woman, both 20 years old, had been arrested in connection with the incident and were in custody for questioning.

No further details have been released about the baby’s reported injuries but he was described as being in “critical condition”.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the force said: “A man has been charged in connection with life-threatening injuries sustained by a baby boy from Salford.

“Benjamin Welsh (21/12/1999) of Whittle Grove, Walkden has been charged with section 18 assault.

“He has been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 12 August 2020.”

It added: “Shortly before 12.30pm on Sunday 9 August 2020, police were called by hospital staff to concerns over the injuries of a baby boy who had been brought in for medical assistance.

“The four-month-old baby remains in a critical condition.”

Officers also issued an appeal on Tuesday calling for anyone with information on the incident to come forward.

Anyone with information should call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 3653 or 101, quoting incident number 1761 of 09 August 2020.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Read more

Rise in babies with abuse-suspected head trauma during lockdown