Carl Alesbrook: Teenager jailed after shaking partner’s baby to death

A teenager has been handed an indefinite jail sentence after murdering his partner’s four-month-old baby.

Carl Alesbrook, 19, was found guilty of murdering Elijah Shemwell on 11 July following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

Elijah died on 5 January 2022, three days after he was found to be pale, limp and drowsy at his mother’s home in Belper, Derbyshire.

The baby suffered “catastrophic” brain injuries after being shaken by Alesbrook, who was 16 at the time. He had only met Elijah’s mother India Shemwell seven weeks earlier.

Elijah also had limb and rib fractures, as well as 17 bruises around his chest, back and stomach consistent with grip marks, jurors at Derby Crown Court were told.

Medical evidence presented to the trial suggested Elijah had been shaken on at least three separate occasions, including New Year’s Day and the day he was taken to hospital.

Alesbrook denied causing any harm to the child but was convicted of both murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Shemwell, the baby’s now 23-year-old mother, was working away from home when Alesbrook shook Elijah.

She was also sentenced today – to three years in prison – after admitting two counts of child cruelty, including the fact that she did not dial emergency services more quickly after Elijah became unwell.

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