POLICE have spoken of the distress caused by the actions of Ryan Marsh after he dropped a young baby on his head.

The youngster suffered catastrophic, lifelong injuries in March last year when the 24-year-old drank around eight pints before throwing a baby into the air and dropping him.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the youngster suffered a bleed on the brain which has left him suffering from epilepsy and needing to be fed through a tube.

Speaking after the hearing Detective Constable Sharon Husband of Cleveland Police's CAVA (Children and Vulnerable Adult Unit) said: “This distressing case involved a young child just a few months old who has suffered life changing injuries as a result of the actions of Marsh - who then proceeded to lie about what happened.

“The infant had to undergo intensive medical intervention and treatment while other members of the family suffered huge stress and anxiety awaiting the outcome.

“I welcome today’s sentence and hope it brings a degree of comfort to the rest of the family.”

The Northern Echo: Ryan MarshRyan Marsh

The baby spent almost a week in intensive care at the Great North Childrens Hospital after being transferred there from Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital.

Safeguarding Detective Chief Inspector Deb Fenny added: “This was a difficult case for my officers and I commend their hard work, commitment and determination while seeking justice for this baby.

“I’d like to reassure the public that we have specialist detectives working constantly to protect and safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities.

"This sentence clearly shows that police and the courts will take serious action against those who would harm children."

Marsh, of Brockrigg Court, Guisborough, pleaded guilty to assaulting the young child and was jailed for two years and four months at Teesside Crown Court.