Lyndsay Lawrence jailed for burning baby boy with hairdryer and fracturing his skull in Camelon attack

Lyndsay Lawrence will serve four years in prison for her offences against a vulnerable baby whilst it was in her care.

Lyndsay Lawrence, 29, has been sentenced to four years in prison for inflicting severe injuries on a nine-month-old baby boy, including burning his bottom with a hairdryer and fracturing his skull. The attack occurred on December 4, 2020, while Lawrence was caring for the infant at an address in Camelon, Falkirk.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Judge Lord Tyre condemned Lawrence's actions, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses. "Blows to a baby's head and shaking are obviously intentional injuries," he stated. "There can be no excuse whatever for the infliction of such injuries on a small and vulnerable child entrusted to your care."

Lawrence, formerly of Camelon, denied any wrongdoing but was found guilty last month after a trial. Prosecutor Lynsey Rodger highlighted that the baby's condition deteriorated after being left alone with Lawrence. Before that day, he had not suffered from a fractured skull, brain bleeding, or significant burns.

Rodger described the baby's alarming symptoms, noting that he exhibited a high-pitched shriek, became rigid, and then floppy. "There is only one person that knows what happened to the baby on December 4. That person is the person who caused the injuries," she asserted, concluding that the injuries were "non-accidental" and "deliberate."

Despite seeking help for the boy when he fell ill, Lawrence denied hitting or dropping him. The jury, however, convicted her of assaulting the baby to his severe injury and endangerment of life, as well as willfully exposing him to unnecessary suffering.

A judge at the High Court, Judge Lord Tyre said it was 'a rather distressing and unpleasant case'.

Sentencing Lawrence, Lord Tyre said, "The jury were clearly satisfied that you inflicted the baby's head injuries, including but not restricted to those caused by shaking him. They were satisfied on the evidence that those injuries were of sufficient severity to cause danger to his life. They were also satisfied that you had burned him on the bottom with a hairdryer."

The judge noted that Lawrence continues to deny causing the injuries and appears to have little insight into the harm inflicted. He acknowledged the distressing nature of the case but mentioned that the baby has made a good recovery from his injuries.

Detective Constable Jonathan McRitchie commented on the case, stating, "Lawrence's actions resulted in serious injuries to a defenseless child, and she will now face the consequences. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable, and her conviction should send out a clear message that Police Scotland is committed to bringing the perpetrators of these crimes to justice."