Man jailed for baby assault

Tait was found guilty of a reduced charge

A fisherman convicted of battering a three-month-old baby boy has been jailed for six years.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard the attack by Thomas Tait, of Cairnbulg, near Fraserburgh, would leave the little boy "gravely impaired" for the rest of his life.

But the court was told that the 31-year-old continued to protest his innocence.

Tait had originally faced a charge of attempting to murder the youngster - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - in a house in Peterhead in May last year.

His position is denial and will remain so for ever

Charles Boag Thomson QC, defence advocate

He blamed the child's mother, claiming that if any crime had been committed, it happened before he was left to look after the little boy for a few minutes.

During his trial in Stonehaven, Tait claimed he had saved the child's life by slapping him on the back and reviving him after the baby had choked and stopped breathing.

He said that he fell while running to phone for an ambulance with the baby in his arms.

However, Tait was found guilty of a reduced charge of assault to severe injury, danger of life and permanent impairment.

Head injuries

The jury decided that he had repeatedly shaken the child, struck him on the body with his hands and, by means unknown, inflicted "blunt force injuries."

The jury also said the physical abuse, which left the boy with serious head injuries, had occurred on one occasion only.

But when father-of-two Tait appeared for sentence in Edinburgh on Thursday, defence advocate Charles Boag Thomson QC said his client maintained he was innocent.

"His position is denial and will remain so forever," said the lawyer.

Tait's mother had received 189 cards from well-wishers expressing support for him, he added.