A man who used the dating app Tinder to prey on a mother and sexually abuse her infant has been sentenced to life in prison. Christopher Phillips, aged 34, actively sought out mothers on the platform, specifically looking for babies. Upon identifying a vulnerable mother holding her newborn in a photo, he exploited her vulnerability to gain access to the child.
Phillips carried out a series of horrific acts against the baby, known as Baby C, causing injuries described as severe as being struck by a vehicle. Judge Paul Thomas KC, who handed down the life sentence, remarked that this case was the most disturbing he had encountered in his four-decade career.
During the court proceedings, the grandmother of the baby shared a statement expressing the profound horror and devastation experienced by the family. Following concerns raised by medical staff, the authorities were alerted to the baby’s injuries, which were suspected to be non-accidental.
An examination revealed that the infant had sustained multiple fractures, including an ankle, wrist, ribs, skull, and a brain hemorrhage. Phillips was convicted of sexual assault and causing grievous bodily harm to the child. He was acquitted of certain charges while the baby’s mother was found not guilty of related offenses.
Phillips, residing in Burton, Pembs, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years and 25 days.