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07/04/2025
Newry Couple Jailed For Severe Child Abuse
A couple from Newry have been jailed for serious abuse offences against a very young child.
36-year-old Amanda Fulton and 35-year-old Christopher Fulton were sentenced at Newry Crown Court.
The couple were convicted of charges including causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm, child cruelty, and grievous bodily harm with intent. Christopher Fulton received a 22-year custodial sentence, while Amanda Fulton was sentenced to four years in custody, with an additional two years on licence.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert stated: "On Thursday 7th November 2019 we were contacted by Regional Emergency Social Services regarding a very young child with suspected non-accidental injuries. Further scans and hospital tests then revealed sickening abusive injuries that at a time were believed to be potentially life-threatening."
The investigation revealed that the child suffered a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain, significant bruising, a laceration to the liver, as well as suspected fractured ribs and other fractures.
"It is horrifying to think there are children suffering in this way behind closed doors at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect them," said Detective Chief Inspector Gilbert. "We work around the clock with our emergency service partners and social services to try to put a stop to child abuse and bring perpetrators before the courts as we have done today."
She added: "Let today serve as a warning to those hurting children. You can only go undetected for so long, we are vigilant and we will take action. If you believe a child to be in danger in any way, contact us. Report. Don't question your gut feeling. If something doesn't feel right, you won't be wasting our time by picking up the phone. You could save a child's life."
36-year-old Amanda Fulton and 35-year-old Christopher Fulton were sentenced at Newry Crown Court.
The couple were convicted of charges including causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm, child cruelty, and grievous bodily harm with intent. Christopher Fulton received a 22-year custodial sentence, while Amanda Fulton was sentenced to four years in custody, with an additional two years on licence.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Gilbert stated: "On Thursday 7th November 2019 we were contacted by Regional Emergency Social Services regarding a very young child with suspected non-accidental injuries. Further scans and hospital tests then revealed sickening abusive injuries that at a time were believed to be potentially life-threatening."
"It is horrifying to think there are children suffering in this way behind closed doors at the hands of those who are supposed to love and protect them," said Detective Chief Inspector Gilbert. "We work around the clock with our emergency service partners and social services to try to put a stop to child abuse and bring perpetrators before the courts as we have done today."
She added: "Let today serve as a warning to those hurting children. You can only go undetected for so long, we are vigilant and we will take action. If you believe a child to be in danger in any way, contact us. Report. Don't question your gut feeling. If something doesn't feel right, you won't be wasting our time by picking up the phone. You could save a child's life."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
