Ex-Footballer Sentenced to 14 Years for Violent Assault Causing Brain Damage to 2-Year-Old

Kiernan Hughes-Mason, a former football player, was given a 14-year prison sentence for viciously beating a two-year-old girl, causing her to suffer permanent brain damage. The incident happened at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, in January 2020, during Hughes-Mason’s romantic engagement with the mother of the child. The toddler suffered serious injuries during the attack, which doctors likened to falling multiple stories. She suffered permanent physical and neurological damage after being put into a coma for 14 days, and she currently needs round-the-clock care.

Hughes-Mason, a former player for Millwall and other UK clubs, was convicted at Basildon Crown Court of severe bodily harm and child abuse. youngster protective agencies and the court denounced his vicious acts and his later attempts to hide the assault by first saying the youngster had fallen. The mother of the victim described the terrible effects the attack had on her daughter, who now has epilepsy and is unable to walk, communicate, or feed herself.

The girl’s mother sobbed in court during his sentencing on Tuesday, describing her daughter as unable to walk, crawl, or move her lower body.

She explained how her kid has epilepsy, is fed through a tube, and has little strength in her arms.

The girl’s mother testified in court that “she’s no longer the little girl who would dance around the living room.”

Hughes-Mason played for Millwall for his first 15 years of professional football before moving on to play for Hashtag United, a social media team.

In addition, he has performed at clubs around the nation, such as those in Leatherhead, Kettering, Saffron Walden, and during a brief stay in New Zealand.

He was named manager of Enfield Borough FC at the conclusion of the last campaign, however he was fired today.

Prosecutors at Hughes-trial Mason’s stated that the girl’s wounds resembled those from “a fall from several storeys”.

Hughes-Mason initially reported to the paramedics that the youngster had fallen over and was conscious but unconscious when she called to report the child’s injuries.

After being brought to the hospital by paramedics, she was placed in an induced coma and transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

She sustained brain traumas that would change her life and stayed in a coma for 14 days.

The children’s organization NSPCC denounced Hughes-Mason’s “brutal and cowardly attack on a defenceless toddler” following his imprisonment.

“Sadly, the two-year-old girl who was the victim of this violent assault will never recover from her injuries, a young life devastated before it had barely started,” a spokeswoman continued.

It is hard to comprehend what might motivate a man to hurt someone so severely and so gullibly.

“It is now vital that a detailed review into this shocking case gives thorough insight into whether anything could have been done to stop Hughes-Mason, and to try and provide better protection for children in the future.”

“Hughes-Mason lied to 999 call handlers, paramedics, police officers, and hospital staff on the day of the incident, immediately trying to cover up his attack,” stated Essex Police Det Sgt Ellie Nudd. All that can be said about him is cowardice.

“A very courageous girl and her family, who have collaborated with us to ensure that justice was served, are in our thoughts and prayers the most. With Hughes-Mason incarcerated, our county has become a safer environment.”

She congratulated the Crown Prosecution Service and the paramedic service, and complimented the victim’s family on their “incredible strength”.