A four-week-old baby was left with head injuries after being struck by his dad during a drunken outburst.
Ernest Oakley, 32, of Swanton Road, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).
The court heard that in November 2023, Oakley took his 26-day-old baby to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, claiming he had been accidentally kicked in the head by another young child.
The baby later became unwell and was transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, where doctors raised concerns about the explanation given.
Oakley was arrested on November 29, 2023, and following a detailed police investigation, was charged in April 2024.
He initially denied involvement, but changed his plea after a trial date was set, admitting he had lashed out while drunk at someone who was holding the baby, and had inadvertently struck the child.
Judge Katharine Moore said: "You have assaulted your 26-day-old son, having lashed out (at someone else) in temper, while drunk.
"Your infant son, albeit not intended but through recklessness, was struck also - causing an elevated area to the right-hand side of his head."
Oakley was sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Detective Constable Rachel Woods, of Norfolk Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, added: "This was an especially upsetting case, where a tiny baby was injured.
"Our team is dedicated to protecting children of all ages and will continue to bring those who seek to harm them before the courts."
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