March man filmed himself punching toddler in the face as part of blackmail plot

Deividas Subacius, 29 of Badgeney Road, March filmed himself punching the 18-month-old girl in the face causing significant swelling and bruising to her right eye.

He then sent the video to the child’s grandparents via text message and demanded they hand over £130 or he would continue to harm the child.

The child’s grandparents immediately called the police and Subacius was arrested.

Police seized Subacius’ phone which contained the video and texts demanding money and threating to cause further harm.

During a physical examination doctors discovered eight healed fractures on the child including to her femur, wrist, collar bone and ribs.

He pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm and blackmail. He was sentenced to 17 years at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday.

Detective Constable Clemie Yaxley said: “This is the worst case of physical abuse in a child that I have had to deal with in my entire career. Had it not been for the grandparents acting in a protective manner the outcome would have been very different. I’m happy to say that the child is now being well cared for and has no significant lasting injuries as a result of this incident.”

Subacius received two years for actual bodily harm, two years for blackmail and nine years for grievous bodily harm. Judge Gareth Hawkesworth also extended his sentence by a further four years because of the seriousness of the crimes. All sentences will run consecutively.

An NSPCC spokesperson for the East of England said: “This is a shocking case in which Subacius inflicted sickening violence on a defenceless toddler and then attempted to use his young victim’s suffering for monetary gain.

“He is a clear danger to children and it is right that he will now spend a long time behind bars for these appalling crimes.

“Abuse of this kind can cause severe and permanent harm to children and it is fortunate that the quick actions of the victim’s grandparents and the police have helped ensure that this child has been able to recover from the physical damage inflicted.

“Anyone concerned about the welfare of a child should act immediately. The NSPCC helpline is available on 0808 800 5000 for advice and support.”