In January 2020, a horrific incident unfolded in Taunton, Somerset, that irrevocably altered the life of an eight-week-old premature baby. Tom Kember, a 27-year-old man, inflicted catastrophic injuries upon the infant, leaving them with profound and lifelong disabilities. The brutality of the attack, likely perpetrated on two separate occasions, was likened to the trauma sustained in a car crash or a fall from a two-story building. Five years later, the child, whose identity remains protected, endures the devastating consequences of Kember’s actions, grappling with blindness, incessant seizures, an inability to communicate verbally, and a multitude of other complex medical needs.
Kember’s disturbing online searches prior to the assaults painted a chilling picture of premeditated violence. He queried search engines with phrases like “what happend if u hit a baby’s face” and “can a baby be sick if it gets hit,” foreshadowing the abuse that would soon befall the defenseless infant. Following the attacks, Kember’s internet searches continued to betray his guilt, as he typed “can I get dosent for abiseing … baby,” a likely misspelling of “abusing.” This digital trail, coupled with the severity of the child’s injuries, formed a damning case against Kember.
In a trial held at Bristol Crown Court, Kember was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a child and sentenced to 21 years in prison. Judge Julian Lambert, presiding over the case, delivered a scathing condemnation of Kember’s actions, labeling them an act of “monstrous evil” with “utterly catastrophic” repercussions. He pointedly noted Kember’s lack of remorse and likened the force used in the attack to that experienced in a high-speed collision or a significant fall. The judge further revealed Kember’s history of violent behavior, citing previous convictions for domestic abuse against a former partner and a dangerous incident involving a police car on a motorway.
Kember’s partner, 25-year-old Katherine Reilly, was also implicated in the tragedy. She was found guilty of child cruelty and received a suspended six-month jail sentence, accompanied by community service and rehabilitation requirements. The court heard how Reilly failed to seek immediate medical attention for the injured infant, a delay of approximately 80 minutes that could have exacerbated the child’s already dire condition. Judge Lambert denounced Reilly’s inaction as “wicked and spineless,” accusing her of shielding Kember and betraying the vulnerable child. While the law prevented him from imposing a harsher sentence for her failure to intervene, the judge expressed his disapproval of her complicity.
The devastating impact of Kember’s actions resonated deeply with the child’s adoptive parents, who provided a heartbreaking statement to the court. They described the constant pain their child endures, the profound physical limitations affecting every part of their body, and the shortened life expectancy resulting from the injuries. The parents expressed their anger and sorrow over the stolen future of their child, a future that should have been filled with promise and joy. Despite the unimaginable challenges they face, they remain devoted to providing the best possible care for their child.
Amidst the darkness of this tragedy, the resilience and spirit of the child shone through. Judge Lambert commended the child’s unwavering fighting spirit and cheerful disposition, a testament to their strength in the face of unimaginable suffering. He also paid tribute to the adoptive parents, praising their unwavering love, selflessness, and devotion to their child. Their extraordinary capacity for compassion and care stood in stark contrast to the cruelty inflicted by Kember, highlighting the profound capacity for both good and evil that exists within humanity. Even after the trial, the disturbing fact remained that Kember and Reilly continued their relationship, adding another layer of complexity to this heartbreaking story.
