A young mother's elaborate cover-up story about a stranger's dog attacking her newborn baby has been completely unravelled after incriminating text messages were discovered by police. The shocking case, which involved multiple family members conspiring to hide the truth, has resulted in suspended prison sentences for all involved.
Fabricated Attack Story Unravels
Caitlin Powell, aged 20, initially told medical staff at Ormskirk Hospital that her 26-day-old son had been attacked by an unknown dog at a bus stop in Southport on October 5, 2023. Her then-partner Aaron Newsome, 24, supported this fabricated account. However, hospital staff became suspicious of the injuries and immediately alerted authorities, setting in motion an investigation that would expose the truth.
Incriminating Text Messages Reveal Cover-Up
When police questioned Newsome about the incident, he became "angry and irate" at the suggestion his phone might be examined. This reaction proved telling, as a subsequent search of his device revealed damning evidence. In messages to Powell, Newsome had written: "Stick to the story, you walked over the bridge by Lidl and it was the bus stop by the church."
Even more disturbingly, Newsome had joked about only needing to bring "a one-legged sleep suit" for his injured son while the baby was hospitalised. These messages provided investigators with clear evidence that the couple had concocted a false narrative about the attack.
The Truth About the French Bulldog Attack
Under police questioning, Powell eventually admitted the truth: their French bulldog, named Boss, had jumped up and bitten the crying infant. She explained she had "panicked" after the incident and fabricated the story about a stranger's dog. Newsome had not been present during the actual attack.
Family Involvement in the Conspiracy
The cover-up extended beyond the young couple to include Powell's father, 47-year-old Carl Powell. All three were living together in Southport at the time, along with five dogs including Boss. After the attack, Carl Powell claimed he had received a call from his daughter saying his grandson's toes had been bitten off, and he subsequently took them to hospital.
Text messages between Carl Powell and Newsome revealed discussions about disposing of Boss. Carl Powell initially claimed he had "thrown him in the river," but later messages indicated he had actually given the French bulldog to a woman who was unaware of the vicious attack.
Serious Injuries and Legal Consequences
The 26-day-old baby suffered significant injuries to his left toes, resulting in one toe requiring amputation. He remained hospitalised for twelve days following the attack but eventually "appeared to be almost completely healed" according to medical reports.
All three family members pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. Additionally, Caitlin Powell pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
Court Sentencing and Dog's Fate
At Liverpool Crown Court, Newsome received a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 15 months, while Carl Powell received a 15-month sentence also suspended for 15 months. The judge adjourned Caitlin Powell's sentencing until Boss could be located.
The French bulldog was eventually recovered by dog wardens and placed in the care of Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home. Prosecutor Nick Cockrell noted that "no further concerns had been raised about the dog's behaviour" and described the attack as "an isolated incident."
Judge Gary Woodhall issued a contingent destruction order for Boss, meaning the dog will be spared provided specific safety conditions are met. These include:
- Being kept under proper control at all times
- Being microchipped and insured
- Being registered with a veterinarian
- Being neutered
- Being walked on a lead no longer than 1.5 metres in public
Judge's Comments on Parenting Failures
When sentencing Caitlin Powell, Judge Woodhall acknowledged her actions were "driven out of panic and shock" but emphasised that "as a mother your primary concern should have been protecting your son." He noted concerning details about her circumstances, including that she had obtained the dog from Facebook from someone she didn't know.
The court heard that Powell was no longer in a relationship with Newsome and had since given birth to a second child with a different father. Both children were fostered outside the immediate family, with social services considering permanent removal. Judge Woodhall stated Powell had "almost certainly lost custody of your son" as a result of negative parenting assessments.
Powell ultimately received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for 15 months, along with 15 rehabilitation days. She was also disqualified from owning dogs for 15 years, marking the conclusion of a case that exposed a family's desperate attempt to conceal a tragic incident.
