Woman gave birth early after being beaten by lover

Court reporter • Published 12 Aug 2009 16:00

Labour induced after scan showed heart problems

A SCAFFOLDER battered his heavily pregnant lover so badly her baby was born premature.

David Corewyn lashed out after he staggered home drunk to their flat.

Medics later detected serious problems with the unborn child and induced the woman, who gave birth to a girl weighing just five pounds.

Corewyn admitted to the assault at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday.

The court head the 23-year-old - who has a string of previous convictions - had a row with his partner after he returned to their flat.

Police later attended and could hear Corewyn telling his pregnant girlfriend to be quiet.

Prosecutor Derek Buchanan told Glasgow Sheriff Court that the woman answered the door and was suffering from a black eye and cut lip.

Mr Buchanan said: "She said that she had been arguing with the accused and that he had punched her repeatedly."

Corewyn was arrested and the next day the woman went to the Queen Mother maternity hospital, where a scan showed abnormalities, including problems with the unborn child's heartbeat. The placenta had also separated and blood clots had formed.

Doctors immediately decided to induce the victim, who was 36-weeks pregnant at the time. The new mum eventually gave birth to a girl, weighing five pounds.

Mr Buchanan added: "It was found that [the woman] had suffered internal bleeding.

"Medical staff were of the view that this was due to her receiving trauma to her abdomen."

The court was told that the baby has recovered well despite the difficulties.

Mark Moir, defending, said Corewyn was sorry for what happened and had accepted full responsibility for the attack on May 17.

Sheriff Charles McFarlane QC sentenced the dad, formerly of Earl Street, Scotstoun, to two years in jail, reduced from three due to this guilty plea.

The sheriff added: "You assaulted your partner when she was pregnant and she required urgent medical attention.

"This is a shocking and despicable offence and, but for the grace of God, could have been a lot more serious."

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This article appeared in Clydebank Post 12 Aug 09

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