December 2008

Two Midlands men jailed for sadistic tot torture

TWO friends subjected a 23-month-old baby to sadistic “torture” sessions that they recorded on their mobile phones.

They even took their defenceless victim outside to continue their assaults on him, and a horrified passer-by contacted the NSPCC.

But Warwick Crown Court heard that by the time the police were notified and turned up at torturer Martin Bentley’s home, he and Daniel Gizzie (pictured above) had left with the boy.

Judge Christopher Hodson winced and there were gasps of horror and stifled cries of “No” and “Oh God” from the public gallery as clips from their mobile phones were played.

The judge jailed Bentley, 26, of Medina Road, Tyseley, who had pleaded guilty to two charges of cruelty to a child and one of common assault, for two years.

Gizzie, 19, of Dagnall Road, Acocks Green, was sentenced to 15 months detention after he had admitted two charges of cruelty to the little boy.

The judge told them: “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that your behaviour towards this young, vulnerable and defenceless child was sadistic in nature and that you both drew pleasure in what you were doing. The video clips showed that.”

Prosecutor Glyn Samuel said the friend had been babysitting the child. The tot’s mother only became aware of a problem when Bentley texted her saying the toddler had fallen and hurt his nose.

He phoned her again later from a pub where he held the phone to the boy’s ear so his mother could speak to him, at which she heard he was upset.

She immediately went to collect the baby from Bentley, who was drunk, and Gizzie, who was caring for him.

Her young son’s cheek was red, his nose was sore and bruised, and his nappy was soiled.

Nothing was done at that stage, but when he was taken to nursery the next day his mother showed the staff his injuries and the police were called.

When they were arrested, police found messages and videos on their phones.

Samantha Forsyth, for Gizzie, said he accepted there was no excuse for his behaviour.