Heartless Dad’s Horrific Abuse of Toddler Exposed
Dwayne Gordon’s cruelty was laid bare when a 17-month-old boy turned up at John Radcliffe Hospital in January 2019 with serious facial injuries.
Brutal Injuries Hidden Behind Lies
A&E doctor Dr Janet Craze testified at Gordon’s trial that the slap mark on the toddler’s face was “something, sadly, all paediatricians have seen before.” The child also had a large red mark around his mouth, which Gordon tried to brush off, claiming the boy had chewed his beaker.
Gordon was supposed to be caring for the boy at the mother’s Oxford home while she was out with a friend. Yet at around 9 p.m. that night, he grimly messaged her saying the boy’s “face is f***ed.”
Damning Evidence of Ongoing Abuse
Further tests prompted by concerns over the boy’s face and neck injuries uncovered broken bones near both wrists – injuries sustained weeks earlier. The nursery had logged over half a dozen separate injuries during the toddler’s attendance.
Even at a ‘Soccer Tots’ session in December 2018, the boy showed up with “deep” bruising and bloodshot eyes, according to a member of the sports group.
Gordon Pleads Guilty as Abuse Scandal Unfolds
The 34-year-old, from Northampton, initially denied multiple charges including grievous bodily harm and child cruelty. But on the sixth day of his trial, he pleaded guilty to GBH, actual bodily harm, and cruelty.
The boy’s mother, Katie Lake, 30, from Abingdon, had raised alarms about the boy’s injuries in messages to Gordon, who brushed off her concerns. Both were convicted of “wilfully exposing” the child to ill-treatment at the hands of his father.
Judge Hands Down Sentence
Judge Ian Pringle QC sentenced Gordon to 40 months behind bars. Gordon’s violent past includes convictions for aggravated burglary and wounding.
Lake received a nine-month jail term, suspended for two years, and must complete up to 20 probation sessions.
This shocking case highlights the hidden horrors suffered by a helpless toddler at the hands of a brutal carer – and the high cost of turning a blind eye.
