Man who caused life-threatening injuries to boy, 3, jailed

Johnathan Harris was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court

A man is behind bars after he inflicted life-threatening injuries to a three-year-old boy.

Johnathan Harris, 40, attacked the boy at an address in Leeds in August 2021, West Yorkshire Police said.

The child was treated in hospital for serious injuries and is still suffering from the effects of the attack.

At Leeds Crown Court on Friday, Harris was jailed for ten-and-a-half years, with an extended licence period of four years on release.

The force said the boy had recovered physically, but continued to experience behavioural and mental health problems as a result of the attack.

'Vicious assault'

When Harris was arrested, he initially denied causing the injuries and claimed he did not know how they happened.

An investigation by the Leeds District Safeguarding Team uncovered evidence to bring a charge against Harris, who later admitted the offence to officers.

Harris, of Easthorpe View, Bottesford, close to Nottinghamshire's border with Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and wounding to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Speaking after the sentencing, Det Con Katie Hall said: "The injuries Harris inflicted on this boy were absolutely horrific.

"I hope the outcome will give the victim and his family some comfort, and that they can move forward with their lives - knowing that the man who inflicted this vicious assault, is safely behind bars."