Cody Mort, 22, reportedly misled medical staff and police by claiming she witnessed her friend’s baby kick a television stand while his diaper was being changed.
This incident supposedly resulted in several injuries, including a fractured left tibia, fractures in the fourth, fifth, and seventh ribs, and a healing fracture in the sixth rib.
However, according to the friend, Mort was not present during the time the injuries happened.
The event took place in August 2023 while Mort was staying at the man’s residence.
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, prosecutor Patrick Williamsons stated: “The defendant rang her mother and informed her that late during the previous evening she had heard the baby crying.”
“She said the following morning the baby’s condition was concerning her, particularly his left leg, and the youngster was taken to hospital.”
“At the Oldham A&E department, Miss Mort claimed the injury was caused by the baby kicking out at a TV unit and stated she had witnessed the incident.”
“Her mother conveyed this to the defendant’s father, including the assertion that she had been present when the baby was hurt. The father was angered at the possibility that the friend was responsible for the infant’s injuries.”
“But in a text message the defendant said: ‘If he tells, he’s never seeing me again’.”
Both Mort and the man were subsequently arrested and interrogated, with Mort stating that the man would ‘struggle’ to explain the situation, so she ‘took the lead’ when questioned about the injuries.
Nonetheless, when the police discovered Mort had not been present at the time of the incident, suspicions arose.
On the night of the questioning, Mort reportedly Googled: “How long is a prison sentence if I own up to covering up for someone.”
Investigations revealed she also searched, ‘covering for someone who abuses their child’.
A week later, Mort contacted the police to admit she had not been in the room with the baby.
Mr Williamson stated: “She admitted her previous assertion that she was present was false. She said she had panicked when giving her first account.”
Her defense attorney Richard Flook explained that she ‘panicked’, stating: “No significant mischief that has been caused by her lie. She was at the hospital at the time she first said these things. She panicked and took the lead and got herself in a position where she couldn’t get out of it.”
“When it was raised he said differently, she corrected this and went to the police of her own volition and told them she had lied. She’s well aware that there is a risk of custodial sentence. She’s very polite and very understanding and has shown genuine remorse and regret.”
“It’s been a very difficult time for her. She is struggling with anxiety and there are significant mental health considerations to take into account.”
“At the time she failed to comprehend the seriousness of her actions. She is at a low risk of reoffending.”
In passing sentence, Judge Neil Usher told Mort: “In lying, you ran the risk that appropriate medical treatment could have been denied or delayed to this baby because you didn’t tell the truth. But you have expressed remorse which is genuine. You do not pose a risk in my judgement.”
Mort was given a 19-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work along with ten rehabilitation requirement days.
Her friend faces a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is scheduled to stand trial next March.
The child has since been placed in foster care.