Jamar Bailey, a 21-year-old man, who googled “how to poison a baby” before feeding a newborn girl with prescription drugs, has been sentenced to more than 25 years in prison in the United Kingdom.
Bailey was arrested on suspicion of willfully harming a child after the baby was taken to intensive care in June last year when she became unresponsive.
A urine test detected sodium valproate, a drug used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, which could have been potentially fatal to the baby.
Detectives found that Bailey was taking medication for seizures, and found a prescription for Epilim Chrono containing sodium valproate in his name during a search of his house.
Officers also found evidence of the drug in the baby’s milk bottle.
The child survived the ordeal and police said she is “safeguarded and thriving”, although it would not be known until she is older if there are any lasting effects.
Bailey, who is from Birmingham, England, admitted attempted murder in June this year, and was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday.
“There are two very clear victims. There is the baby who you attempted to kill but significant aggravating feature of this case is the other victim, her mother,” Judge Roderick Henderson told the convict.
“That baby was taken from her, she herself was suspected of trying to kill her own child and at a time when a mother is expecting to bond with that child, [the baby] was deprived of that.
“In my judgement that other aspect, the second victim, makes it much more serious. I apply a 15 per cent discount because your plea was late in the day, you left it until you were backed into a corner.
“There is a significant risk of harm to people as a result of you potentially repeating this offence.”
The convict, who appeared via video link, was also handed a four month sentence for possession of black mamba, with intent to supply, which will run concurrently with his “enormous” prison term, the judge said.
Detective Sergeant Kirsty Wilson from West Midlands Police’s public protection unit, said:
“The little girl is so lucky to be alive and we are really pleased that she is doing so well.
“Bailey’s actions were premeditated and could quite easily have resulted in her death.
“Our investigation was complex and relied on medical evidence and the support of partner agencies, so we are satisfied that justice has been done.”
The convict will have to serve two thirds of his sentence before being eligible to apply for parole.
