Warning: This article contains discussions which some readers may find distressing.
A woman who attempted to cover for a friend accused of leaving his baby with 'multiple bone fractures' searched chilling questions online.
Cody Mort, 22, allegedly falsely told medics and police who arrived at the scene that she had witnessed the baby of her friend kick out at a television stand, while having his diaper changed.
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This supposedly caused his various injuries which included a fractured left tibia, a fracture in the fourth fifth and seventh ribs and a healing fracture in the sixth rib.
However, according to the friend, Mort was not present when the injuries occurred.
The incident occurred in August 2023 when Mort was staying at the man’s home.
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At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, prosecuting Patrick Williamsons said: "The defendant rang her mother and informed her that late during the previous evening she had heard the baby crying.
"She said the following morning the baby’s was giving her concern in particular his left leg and the youngster was taken to hospital.
"At the Oldham A&E department Miss Mort said the injury has been caused by the baby kicking out at a TV unit and she stated that she had been present when it happened.
"Her mother spoke to the defendant’s father and told him what had been said by the defendant including asserting she had been present when the baby was injured. The father was angered that the friend might be responsible for the baby’s injuries.
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"But in a text message the defendant said: 'If he tells, he’s never seeing me again'."
Mort and the man were later arrested and interviewed, with the woman explaining that he would ‘struggle’ to explain what happened so she ‘took the lead’ when he was questioned about the injuries.
However, when police learned that Mort had not been present at the time of the incident, they became suspicious of her.
The very same night of the questioning, Mort is said to have Googled: "How long is a prison sentence if I own up to covering up for someone."
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Inquiries found that she had also searched, ‘covering for someone who abuses their child’.
Mort contacted the police a week later and confessed that she had lied about being in the room with the baby.
Mr Williamson said: "She admitted her previous assertion that she was present at the time was false. She said she had panicked when giving her first account."
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Her defence counsel Richard Flook explained that she had 'panicked', stating: "No significant mischief that has been caused by her lie. She was at the hospital at the time she first said these things. She panicked and took the lead and got herself in a position where she couldn’t get out of it.
"When it was raised he said differently, she corrected this and went to the police of her own volition and told them she had lied. She's well aware that there is a risk of custodial sentence. She’s very polite and very understanding and has shown genuine remorse and regret.
"It’s been a very difficult time for her. She is struggling with anxiety and there are significant mental health considerations to take into account.
"At the time she failed to comprehend the seriousness of her actions. She is at a low risk of reoffending."
In sentencing, Judge Neil Usher told Mort: "In lying, you ran the risk that appropriate medical treatment could have been denied or delayed to this baby because you didn’t tell the truth. But you have expressed remorse which is genuine. You do not pose a risk in my judgement."
Mort was freed with 19-week imprisonment suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work as well as ten rehabilitation requirement days.
Her friend was charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is set to attend trial in March next year.
The baby has since been put into foster care.
Britt Jones