James Edward Driver – Newton Aycliffe

James Edward Driver, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has been named in a child cruelty case involving a boy who was just two years old at the time of the offence.

The case concerned the mistreatment of the young child over a four-day period between 5 and 8 January 2024.

Driver was charged with one count of assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting or abandoning a child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury.

Details provided about the case indicate that a 12-month prison sentence was imposed and suspended for 24 months, meaning the offender would not immediately be sent to prison.

The sentence also included a six-month alcohol treatment programme, 150 hours of unpaid work and £187 in court costs.

The case has prompted anger and concern over the treatment of a child who was only two years old and entirely dependent on adults for his safety and wellbeing.

Every child deserves to grow up in safety, free from violence, cruelty and neglect.