Man's attack on toddler 'blew family's world apart'

The mother of a girl left permanently brain-damaged in an attack when she was two years old said their world had been "blown apart".

Former footballer Kiernan Hughes-Mason, 32, was jailed for 14 years for the violent assault that took place in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, in January 2020.

The victim was left needing round-the-clock care due to the "significant physical and mental disabilities" she suffered.

"We mourn all the experiences we would have shared with her, that were taken from her by a violent coward," her mother said.

Hughes-Mason, of Ramuz Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, was found guilty of child cruelty and causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Basildon Crown Court.

The ex-Millwall and Hashtag United footballer had been managing Enfield Borough Football Club before his conviction.

Speaking after Hughes-Mason was sentenced on Tuesday, the victim's mother, who did not want her name published, said her child could no longer sit, stand or walk independently.

"The brain damage caused has affected her communication - she cannot even tell us where her pain is or what upsets her," she said in a statement issued via Essex Police.

"Despite all this, we still see her personality shine through every day. In the midst of the pain she constantly faces, she brightens the darkest days.

"We will continue our best to ensure that she can live each day to the full as best she can. We love her more than anything else in this world."

The children's charity NSPCC said it was "vital" that a review into the case was undertaken to see if anything could have been done to stop Hughes-Mason.

It branded the incident as "a brutal and cowardly attack on a defenceless toddler he had been entrusted to look after".

Doctors identified 17 injuries on her legs, back, face and chest that could have occurred between October 2019 and the day of the incident, the trial was told.

Hughes-Mason had tried to claim to paramedics the girl had injured herself by falling on a doll's house.

Det Sgt Ellie Nudd, from Essex Police, said the family had shown "incredible strength" throughout the criminal investigation.

"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," she said.

"He can only be described as a coward."

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