Parents Guilty of Baby Ava Mae’s Death in Shocking Staffordshire Case
Rebecca Grocott, 27, and Joshua Collard, 30, both from Staffordshire, have been found guilty of causing the death of their five-month-old daughter, Ava Mae. The heartbreaking verdict was reached after a gruelling five-week trial at Stafford Crown Court, where the couple faced serious charges over their baby girl’s tragic death in 2020.
Serious Charges Laid Against Couple
The pair were convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, causing or allowing serious physical harm, plus two counts of assault, ill-treatment, neglect or abandonment — all resulting in unnecessary suffering and injury to Ava Mae.
Originally, Grocott and Collard denied all allegations during earlier hearings. The tragedy unfolded on February 27, 2020, when paramedics rushed to the family home in Stone. They found baby Ava Mae in cardiac arrest and quickly transported her to hospital. Despite frantic efforts, she died two days later on March 1.
Multiple Injuries Reveal Harrowing Abuse
The chilling post-mortem revealed Ava Mae suffered multiple broken ribs, collarbone, and femur, along with severe head trauma leaving a bleeding injury near her ear.
Police arrested Grocott and Collard on March 25, 2020, after the couple failed to provide any believable explanation for the horrific injuries.
Detective Speaks Out on Tragic Case
“This was a truly tragic incident where a young life was lost due to the actions of those who should have been protecting her,” said Detective Constable Emily Hanlon, of the Child Protection and Exploitation Team. “I want to thank everyone involved for helping to secure justice in this heartbreaking case.”
Grocott and Collard remain in custody ahead of their sentencing, set for July 27 at Stafford Crown Court, where they will learn their fate for the devastating loss of baby Ava Mae.
