Melksham woman jailed for two years after pleading guilty to child cruelty

Stacey Davis, 35, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court yesterday following the death of a one-year-old boy back in June 2018.

 

Davis had left the boy alone in his cot while she went out before returning home and eventually checking on the boy’s welfare later that day. He was found lifeless in his cot and was taken to the Royal United Hospital, where he sadly died despite the best efforts of emergency services.

 

A detailed and complex investigation was carried out following the baby’s death including extensive reviews by expert witnesses, however, a cause of death was not identified.

 

The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the case put forward by Wiltshire Police and authorised charges of child cruelty and possession of cannabis for Davis.

 

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of this young boy.

 

“Davis’ actions on the day her son died fell well below the duty she owed to him as his mother – she should have loved him, cared for him and put his welfare first, as any loving, doting parent would. “It has been over four years since he died and I know that this has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone who knew and loved him.

 

“The investigation team have worked tirelessly on what has been a challenging and extremely upsetting case and their hard work has ensured it has now been followed through to its conclusion.”