Father Guilty of Manslaughter in Baby’s Shocking Death
Christopher Easey, 31, has been found guilty of manslaughter and neglect over the death of his 14-week-old daughter, Eleanor, in December 2019. The grim trial revealed that baby Eleanor suffered a horrific brain injury and 31 broken ribs. Both parents had left her alone and fed her biscuits, sparking outrage.
Brutal Injuries and Neglect Exposed
Eleanor was admitted to Norfolk and Norwich Hospital unresponsive, then died two days later at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Tests showed multiple brain bleeds, with the latest injury occurring within 48 hours of hospital admission. The judge ruled the brain damage was “consistent with having been violently shaken.”
Adding to the horror, pathologists found Eleanor was badly malnourished with a prominent ribcage and shrunken muscles. The court heard the baby had been left alone “for a significant time” and fed inappropriate foods like custard cream biscuits and lemon cheesecake.
Father’s Excuses Rejected
Christopher Easey tried to blame a sudden car brake and banging her head on a cot, but jurors dismissed this. The judge said he was “sure” Easey inflicted all Eleanor’s “serious injuries,” including 31 broken ribs. Easey’s wife, Carly, 36, received a 12-month community order for neglect but the judge accepted she didn’t know of the abuse.
“She feels extreme guilt for failing to protect her baby from the man who deceived her,” said Carly’s lawyer, Elizabeth Marsh QC.
Police Speak Out on Heartbreaking Case
Norfolk Police revealed that health visitors noticed bruises and scratches on Eleanor’s face, which Carly had tried to explain away as being from a poor car seat or self-inflicted. Friends and family told officers the cruel couple often left Eleanor alone and gave her squash to drink instead of proper nourishment.
Det Insp Lewis Craske said: “This was a very emotive investigation, and the memories of it will remain with us for quite some time.”
Christopher Easey, described as a “very inexperienced father,” will now face sentencing for the brutal death of his baby girl. The tragic case has shocked Norfolk and shed light on horrific child neglect behind closed doors.
