Kiernan Hughes Former Footballer Sentenced to 14 Years for Brutal Assault on ToddlerFormer footballer Gavin Hughes-Mason, once part of Arsenal and Tottenham’s youth systems, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a horrific attack on a two-year-old girl. The child, who was the daughter of his ex-partner, sustained severe injuries that have left her permanently brain-damaged and dependent on round-the-clock care.
Hughes-Mason, who also played for Championship side Millwall, inflicted 17 different injuries on the toddler over a three-month period. These injuries were spread across her face, chest, back, and legs. Initially, he claimed the little girl had fallen on her dollhouse, but medical professionals dismissed his explanation. The severity of the child’s injuries was likened to trauma caused by a “high-speed road traffic accident” or “a fall from a great height.”
As a result of the brutal assault, the girl was placed in a medically induced coma for 14 days. She now suffers from life-altering brain injuries, which have severely impacted her ability to walk, talk, or even eat on her own. The court heard that she is constantly in pain, has developed epilepsy, and can only be fed through a tube due to her difficulties with eating and drinking.
The heart-wrenching testimony from the child’s mother revealed how much her daughter’s life had changed. Once a joyful child who loved dancing, she is now confined to a life of suffering and immobility, with no hope of regaining the independence she once had. “She is no longer the little girl who would dance around the living room,” her devastated mother said in court.
Kiernan Hughes Ex-Millwall Player Jailed for Shocking Attack on Child
Hughes-Mason, now 32, was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty after a three-week trial at Basildon Crown Court. The jury reached their verdict after deliberating for five hours, finding him guilty of all charges. The attack took place at an address in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, in January 2020, when Hughes-Mason was caring for the child.
In his defense, Hughes-Mason initially claimed that the child had fallen, but evidence presented by medical experts quickly debunked this explanation. The prosecution argued that the toddler’s injuries were consistent with being violently shaken and slammed against a hard surface, revealing the brutal nature of the attack.
Hughes-Mason, whose football career saw him play for 18 clubs between 2010 and 2020, including stints at Millwall and Hashtag United, was managing Enfield Borough in the Eastern Counties League Division One South when he was convicted. Upon learning of his crimes, Enfield Borough immediately terminated his contract.
Hashtag United, where Hughes-Mason had played during the 2016/17 season and later worked as a reserves manager, released a statement expressing their horror at the crimes. They emphasized that they were unaware of the accusations until the conviction was made public. The club stated that the offenses occurred before Hughes-Mason joined them, but admitted that the case exposed significant failings in background check procedures.
The court proceedings left a lasting impression on all involved, with the judge delivering a strong condemnation of Hughes-Mason’s actions. The sentence reflects the gravity of the harm caused to an innocent child who will now live with the devastating consequences of his cruelty for the rest of her life.
For those impacted by similar issues, support is available through helplines such as Childline at 0800 1111, which offers free, confidential advice.
The child’s mother, devastated by her daughter’s condition, told the court how her once-vibrant child had been transformed. “She’s no longer the little girl who would dance around the living room,” she said, describing the profound and irreversible impact of the assault on her daughter’s life.
Following a three-week trial at Basildon Crown Court, Hughes-Mason, now 32, was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty. The jury deliberated for five hours before returning a guilty verdict. The attack occurred in January 2020 at a residence in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, while Hughes-Mason was caring for the child.
Hughes-Mason initially claimed the child had sustained her injuries from an accidental fall. However, expert testimony from medical professionals revealed that the injuries were consistent with being violently shaken and slammed against a hard surface, painting a grim picture of the abuse football club
Hashtag United, where Hughes-Mason played during the 2016/17 season, released a statement condemning the “deeply disturbing” crimes he was convicted of. The club also made clear that they were unaware of the offenses during his time with them and that the crimes had occurred before his tenure at the club. They acknowledged flaws in the background check process, which had failed to reveal any warning signs.
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