‘Highly dangerous’ man tried to kill toddler after ‘sickening and repeated assault’

An evil thug tried to murder a toddler in an unspeakable attack which he also filmed.

“Highly dangerous” Lewis Prince punched the boy and tried to smother and strangle him before fleeing police, as emergency services rushed to the tot’s rescue.

Prince, 29, is now facing life behind bars after being found guilty of attempted murder and assault by beating.

A court heard the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken to hospital in the “penultimate stage of asphyxiation” when officers were called to a house in Blackpool in December, following reports of an attack.

The youngster had “extensive bruising” on his face and around his neck which medical experts said were consistent with strangulation, but mercifully survived.

Prince, meanwhile, tried to go on the run, and was later caught driving towards Manchester.

When interviewed by detectives, Prince lied claiming he hadn’t done anything wrong.

On trial for the child’s attempted murder, he later admitted in court he lied to police, saying he slapped the toddler’s face and squeezed his cheeks “to stop him from crying”, but ultimately denied attempted murder.

A jury at Preston Crown Court took just an hour in deliberations to find him guilty.

Prince, from Swinston, Lancashire, had already pleaded guilty to one count of assault relating to a woman, and was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on August 4.

A senior detective who led the case described Prince as a “highly dangerous” individual who shunned any responsibility for what he did.

Detective Superintendent Isobel Garratt, of Lancashire Police, said: “He has, from his arrest through to his trial, failed at every opportunity to understand and take responsibility for the grievous and abhorrent harm which he caused a vulnerable baby in distress.

“Fortunately, the jury were more than capable of seeing through his lies, and have recognised that when a 29-year-old man strangles and smothers a vulnerable toddler, there is only one thing that he intends.

“This has been an emotive case for everyone involved, where the evidence gathered has been of a harrowing nature.

“I would commend the jury for their professionalism throughout the trial.

“Furthermore, I would like to thank the victim’s mother for her assistance throughout the investigation.

“She has been incredibly brave when faced with tremendously difficult circumstances.

“Fortunately, the toddler has made a full recovery. However, this does not take away from the grave danger in which Lewis Prince placed a vulnerable child.”