The Baby Callum Case : Justice Denied ?

By Michael Thompson, Founder of the Falsely Accused Network

The sentencing of Joanne Sharkey for the manslaughter of Baby Callum represents a profound failure of our justice system. As the details of this case have unfolded over 27 years, we at the Falsely Accused Network are deeply troubled by the court's decision to hand down a suspended sentence for what can only be described as the deliberate killing of a newborn child.

Joanne Sharkey - Let off with a suspended sentence after admitting to killing a baby.

Mrs Justice Eady's ruling that "this very sad case calls for compassion" is a startling dismissal of the severity of the crime. The facts are clear: Sharkey admitted to covering the baby's nose and mouth "to make him quiet" and then disposing of his body in woodland near Warrington. The post-mortem revealed wads of tissue and bruising to the baby's head and neck. These are not the actions of someone merely overwhelmed; they suggest deliberate harm.

The court's acceptance of diminished responsibility based on postnatal depression appears to be a convenient legal mechanism to avoid proper accountability. While mental health considerations are important, they should not completely negate responsibility for taking a life, particularly of a defenceless infant.

What message does this send to society? That one can conceal a pregnancy, kill a newborn child, dispose of the body, and continue living normally for 27 years – only to receive a suspended sentence when finally caught? This hardly seems like justice for Baby Callum, whose short life ended so tragically.

The judge's statement that "no useful purpose would be achieved by immediate imprisonment" begs the question: what is the purpose of our criminal justice system if not to hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of the time that has passed?

The compassion shown to Sharkey stands in stark contrast to the lack of compassion shown to her child. While her family supports her – as is their right – we must remember that Baby Callum had no one to protect him at his most vulnerable moment.

As advocates for justice, we must question whether our courts are truly delivering it when a confessed killing results in no immediate custodial sentence. The community of Warrington, who in their kindness named and buried this abandoned child, deserved to see proper justice served.

The criminal justice system has a duty to protect the most vulnerable in our society. In this case, it has failed dismally. Baby Callum deserved better from us all.