A former Millwall footballer has received a 14-year prison sentence for severely beating a two-year-old girl, resulting in life-altering brain damage.
Kiernan Hughes-Mason, 32, inflicted injuries on the child in January 2020 that were likened to those from a high-speed car crash or a fall from several storeys. While in his care, the toddler sustained such brutal harm that she now requires constant medical attention.
At Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, the girl’s mother emotionally recounted how her daughter has lost her ability to walk, crawl, or move her lower body. She described the severe impact on her child, who now uses a feeding tube and suffers from epilepsy, contrasting it with the vibrant child who once enjoyed dancing.
Ex-Championship star jailed for 14 years after heinous attack left girl, 2, brain damagedhttps://t.co/nys3kH9kxC
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Hughes-Mason, from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, faced charges of child cruelty and grievous bodily harm with intent. Previously associated with Millwall and social media team Hashtag United, he also played for clubs such as Leatherhead, Kettering, and Saffron Walden, and had a stint in New Zealand. He was managing Enfield Borough FC before being dismissed following his arrest.
Evidence presented in court revealed Hughes-Mason had expressed frustration towards the girl in messages to friends, indicating his intent to harm her. Medical examinations later identified 17 injuries inflicted between October 2019 and January 31, 2020, the day of the assault.
After the attack, Hughes-Mason contacted paramedics, falsely claiming the girl’s injuries were due to a fall onto a doll’s house. The child was found unconscious and was placed in an induced coma for two weeks.
Judge Ian Graham, in his verdict, emphasised the devastating impact on the girl’s life, noting her total dependence on others for all her needs due to the injuries caused by vigorous shaking and head trauma.
Following the sentencing, the NSPCC condemned the assault, describing it as a “brutal and cowardly attack” on a vulnerable child. The charity called for a thorough review to understand if preventative measures could have been taken.
Det Sgt Ellie Nudd of Essex Police criticised Hughes-Mason for his deceitful attempts to cover up the assault and praised the victim’s family for their strength. She also acknowledged the efforts of the ambulance service and the Crown Prosecution Service in achieving justice.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Newsshopper. Former footballer Kiernan Hughes-Mason has been jailed for a violent attack on a two-year-old girl, leaving her with life-changing brain injuries.(read more)
- BBC News reports that Kiernan Hughes-Mason, a former footballer, was jailed for 14 years for causing life-changing brain injuries to a two-year-old girl.(read more)
- Mirror reports that Kiernan Hughes-Mason, a 32-year-old former Championship footballer, has been jailed for 14 years for brutally assaulting a two-year-old girl, leaving her with life-changing brain injuries and requiring round-the-clock care.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Kiernan Hughes-Mason?
Kiernan Hughes-Mason is a former footballer convicted of causing life-changing injuries to a two-year-old girl.
What was Kiernan Hughes-Mason convicted of?
He was convicted of child cruelty and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
What injuries did the toddler suffer?
The girl suffered severe brain damage, rendering her unable to walk, crawl, or move her lower body, and now requires round-the-clock care.
How did Kiernan Hughes-Mason explain the child’s injuries?
He falsely claimed the injuries occurred from her falling onto a doll’s house.
What did the NSPCC say about the case?
The NSPCC condemned the attack and called for a detailed review to better protect children in the future.