A MAN and woman have been jailed for child cruelty after their six-month-old child died of pneumonia.

Stacey Louise Taylor and Mark John Harrison, of Chapel Court in Hyde, failed to seek medical attention for little Jack even though he was drastically under-weight and showing clear signs of illness.

He also had a number of fractures of various ages to his arms, legs and ribs that were considered `non-accidental' by experts, a court heard. The oldest fracture was up to 12 weeks old with the others ranging from one to two weeks old.

A number of small bruises sustained up to 48 hours before Jack's death were also found on his face and head. A pathologist deemed they were most likely to have been caused by prodding or poking.

It is understood the child was not known to social services before his death.

Taylor, 20, and Harrison, 27, were cleared of manslaughter but found guilty of child cruelty after a three-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Taylor also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis in relation to a drugs warrant carried out in May 2007. She was sentenced to three years for child cruelty and one day for the drugs offence, to run consecutively.

Harrison also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis with intent to supply in relation to the same drugs warrant. He has been sentenced to three years for child cruelty and 12 months for the drugs offence, to run consecutively.

Underweight

The court heard how Jack's parents knew that he had a low immune system and was underweight. Yet despite that they did not seek medical help until it was too late. He was finally taken to Tameside General Hospital where he died in November 2006.

DC Kath McKenzie, from Greater Manchester Police's public protection investigation unit in Tameside, said: "How someone can deliberately harm a defenceless baby in any way escapes me, but what makes it worse is that his parents put themselves first before obtaining medical attention for their injured and sick little boy.

"Jack would have clearly been very ill in the lead up to his death but Taylor and Harrison did not take him to hospital or to a doctor, presumably because they were aware that the child's injuries would be discovered.

"Throughout this investigation they have been unable to explain how he got his serious injuries, insisting they were either accidental or they did not realise he was injured.

"The court has found this is not the case. Maybe one day Jack's parents will take responsibility for their son's tragic and preventable death."

A spokesman for the Tameside Safeguarding Children Board said a serious case review had already been held into the case and would be published shortly.

"This child was not the subject of a child protection plan and the death was not regarded as suspicious until old fractures were found as part of the post mortem," said the spokesman.

"Neither parent could explain the series of injuries and they have both appeared in crown court in connection with the death.

"The serious case review highlights the importance of recognising signs of neglect and in dealing with parents who miss appointments with professionals and are resistant to accept help.

"It is always tragic when a baby dies and all agencies are working together to take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations of the draft serious case review which have all been accepted by the Safeguarding Board."