A MAN who fractured a baby’s ribs in a “fit of anger” sobbed as he was jailed today.

Gary James, 29, was sentenced to 18 months at Oxford Crown Court after admitting causing grievous bodily harm to a baby.

The court heard the baby boy was taken to a local doctor in October last year because he had unexplained bruises.

Prosecutor Brian Payne told the court the GP referred the baby to the John Radcliffe Hospital, where X-rays revealed multiple fractures.

James, of Stockleys Road, Marston, was interviewed by police, but denied any wrong-doing.

Then in November, James visited his local police station voluntarily and admitted he fractured the baby’s ribs when he squeezed him because he would not stop crying.

Mr Payne said: “The child was in his cot and was screaming.

“He (James) admitted picking the child up and with both hands, held the child about his body and squeezed him really hard.

“He didn’t think he had caused him any harm at that stage and the child was still crying.

“He handed the child over but had lost his temper with the child.”

James, a carpenter who appeared in court on crutches after breaking his ankle when he slipped on ice, turned his face away from the court and sobbed for most of the hearing.

Rachel Drake, defending, told the court the four rib fractures were caused on the single occasion James squeezed the baby.

She added: “He contacted police and said he wanted to make admissions and pleaded guilty at the earliest stage.

“This is a situation that indicates ignorance of how to handle a small child or baby, rather than any wrong-doing.

“Clearly he needs educating in how to comfort a fragile child.

“Some people find it more difficult than others.”

Judge Christopher Eccles jailed James, who had a previous conviction for drink driving, for 18 months and banned him from working with children.

He said: “In a fit of anger, and maybe drink, you gripped the baby with considerable severity and caused the rib fractures.

“As in so many cases this occurred while you were feeling a degree of stress. You had difficulty in controlling your temper. You’ve had problems in the past with excess alcohol.”

The baby suffered no lasting injuries, the court heard.