Reece Twycross has been handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence after the court heard how he almost snapped the neck of a six-week-old baby during a loss of temper and physically abused a second child, leaving both youngsters traumatised.
The sentencing took place on Monday 5th January 2026 where the court was told the violence caused serious physical risk and profound psychological harm to the children.
“We Had to Mourn Two Babies Who Are Still Alive”
Family members said the six-week-old infant narrowly avoided catastrophic injury, while the couple’s one-year-old daughter was also assaulted, leaving her deeply distressed and fearful.
In an emotional statement released after the hearing, relatives said:
“Their mother and our family had to mourn two babies that are, thank God, still alive and healthy — but we will never see them again. We’ve lost them because this man couldn’t control his temper.”
The court heard that Twycross’s actions were carried out in anger, with no regard for the extreme vulnerability of the children, and that the impact of the abuse will remain with them long after the case has concluded.
Suspended Sentence Sparks Anger
Despite the severity of the offending, Twycross avoided immediate custody. The 18-month sentence was suspended, meaning he will only be jailed if he breaches strict conditions imposed by the court.
Those conditions are understood to include:
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A prohibition on any contact with the children
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Mandatory anger-management and behavioural programmes
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Ongoing supervision by probation services
The outcome has triggered anger and disbelief among relatives, who say the punishment fails to reflect the seriousness of the harm caused.
“The Damage Doesn’t End With the Sentence”
Family members say the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom.
“The psychological trauma doesn’t belong only to the children,” one relative said. “It’s something their mother, their family, and everyone involved will live with forever.”
Safeguarding agencies remain involved, and the children are understood to be safe and away from Twycross.
The Sentence
The court imposed an 18-month prison sentence, made up of an eight-month custodial term and a further 10 months suspended, meaning Twycross will not serve immediate time in custody unless he breaches the conditions of the order.
The judge heard that the offences involved serious physical risk and caused significant psychological harm. The sentence also included a community order, compulsory programmes, and probation supervision.
Offender’s Statement
In an email sent to UKNIP following publication of the initial report, Twycross said some aspects of coverage were inaccurate or misleading.
He acknowledged the sentence and accepted responsibility for his actions, writing:
“I accept the punishment of what has happened and I know it isn’t an excuse, but I was never okay after the sexual assault had taken place.”
Twycross stated that he was sexually assaulted in 2021 by the father of a former partner, which he reported to police in February 2022. He said no further action was taken and claimed the trauma contributed to his behaviour at the time of the offences.
He also disputed several points, including:
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That the phrase “almost snapped the neck” of a baby did not appear in court documents or sentencing remarks
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That he has no restriction preventing him being around children, beyond the community order and programme requirements
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That the court did not impose conditions requiring him to stay away from children, citing the age of the offences and what he described as judicial recognition of remorse and engagement with therapy
Family’s Account and Impact Statements
Relatives and the children’s mother strongly contest Twyccross’s version of events and maintain that the abuse was sustained, frightening, and life-changing.
In statements released after sentencing, family members described a pattern of violent and coercive behaviour behind closed doors, including shaking a baby, screaming at the children, threats, and controlling conduct that left the mother fearful and isolated.
They said the six-week-old baby narrowly avoided catastrophic injury, while the couple’s one-year-old daughter was also physically assaulted, leaving both children traumatised.
One family statement said:
“What happened behind closed doors was terrifying and controlled by fear. To the outside world he appeared harmless, but inside our home was a completely different reality.”
The children’s mother described years of involvement with police, social services, contact centres, and the family courts, ultimately resulting in the children being adopted in 2023.
She said the suspended sentence caused her to relive the trauma of losing her children, adding that she had expected an immediate custodial term.
“He is free to live his life. My children live with the consequences of what was done to them forever.”
Reaction to the Sentence
The decision to suspend the prison term has triggered anger and disbelief among family members, who argue the punishment does not reflect the seriousness of the harm caused or the long-term impact on the children and their wider family.
The court was told mitigation included the passage of time since the offences and Twyccross’s engagement with therapy. Safeguarding agencies remain involved, and the children are understood to be in a safe placement.
Ongoing Dispute
UKNIP notes that while Twyccross disputes certain descriptions of the offending and restrictions imposed, the conviction and sentence handed down by the court remain a matter of public record. The case highlights the often starkly different perspectives between offenders and victims in serious abuse cases, and the lasting consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom.
If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, confidential support is available through organisations such as NSPCC, National Domestic Abuse Helpline, and Samaritans.
