A JUDGE has delayed sentencing a couple for an incident that left their baby badly brain-damaged.

But the father was sent to jail to start what will inevitably be a custodial sentence for causing grievous bodily harm to the three-week-old boy.

Paul Burns, 27, and Laura Richards, 24, were due to be dealt with at Teesside Crown Court yesterday but their case was delayed because pre-sentence reports had not been prepared.

The couple had been found guilty last month of causing cruelty by wilful neglect by not seeking medical attention for the baby after Burns had caused the injury.

Burns was warned he faced custody but was allowed bail to put his financial affairs in order before he was locked up, while Richards was told all sentencing options would be open for her.

Yesterday, Judge Walford gave Richards bail until their next appearance on July 2, but remanded Burns in custody until the reports are ready.

The judge told Burns: "There must be a custodial sentence and I told you last time what the position was and in the circumstances I don't think I'd be doing you any favours to extend your bail today."

Relatives of Burns burst into tears when he was sent away, and one woman shouted: "I love you, son."

The couple, from Westfields Court, Richmond, North Yorkshire, had been on a drinking session at a music festival with baby Liam in the hours before he was hurt.

A jury heard during a seven-day trial that Burns had shaken the baby to stop him crying after they returned from their outing in 2004.

Richards was said to have been unaware of the injuries and the couple did not seek medical attention for Liam until almost 18 hours later when he was having fits and barely conscious.

The boy - now aged 21 months - will never lead an independent life, will have difficulty walking and talking and is unable to sit up by himself.