Man guilty of attempting to murder baby

Radoslaw Zurek was convicted by jurors after a six-day trial at Northampton Crown Court

A man has been convicted of attempting to murder a nine-month-old baby.

Jurors found Radoslaw Zurek, 28, guilty after a six-day trial at Northampton Crown Court.

Zurek was arrested after Northamptonshire Police were called to a flat in Victoria Road, Northampton, on 2 January. Officers found him with self-inflicted wounds and the child in a baby bouncer covered with a blanket.

He has been remanded in custody with a sentencing date yet to be set.

When officers discovered Zurek and the baby at the flat, they found marks on the child's face and neck.

Extensive checks at a hospital found the baby had bruising around both sides of the neck and petechiae on the face, where capillaries had burst, which was consistent with strangulation.

On 3 January police officers arrested Zurek on suspicion of attempted murder. They said he asked them about the child and wept when told he was told they were safe and well.

He was remanded in custody following an initial hearing at Northampton Magistrates' Court on 6 January.

'Totally defenceless'

During the trial, jurors were told the incident had occurred following the breakdown of Zurek's relationship.

Having given a no comment interview to police, Zurek also did not give evidence at his trial.

Det Con Emily Faulkner, from Northamptonshire Police, said the incident was "incredible distressing for all involved, but thankfully the baby has suffered no lasting injuries".

She said: “I hope this guilty verdict brings some closure to the nightmare situation caused by Zurek’s actions."