Baby murderer Thomas Morgan jailed for shaking Jensen-Lee Dougal to death
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A man named Thomas Morgan has been sentenced to life in prison for shaking a five-month-old baby, Jensen-Lee Dougal, to death. The violent attack occurred while the baby's mother was at work, leaving the child with catastrophic brain, spine, and eye injuries. Morgan initially claimed he had acted to prevent the baby from choking but maintained his innocence until his arrest 15 months later. Experts testified that the force used was so severe it could not have been accidental or a result of rough play.
Jensen-Lee's mother, Jordan Dougal, described her overwhelming grief and trauma in a victim impact statement. She revealed that Jensen-Lee was a happy baby who loved being sung to and cuddled, but he never got the chance to take his first steps or say "mammy." The court heard how Morgan, who had recently moved into the family home, was left alone with the baby while Dougal worked. He claimed the baby seemed limp and choking on vomit, leading him to shake him forcefully.
Medical experts dismissed Morgan's defense, stating that Jensen-Lee's injuries were "catastrophic" and consistent with severe shaking. Professor Stavros Stivaros testified that such violence would have rendered the baby unconscious immediately, making it impossible for the injuries to result from a resuscitation attempt. The baby was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of child abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. It also underscores the emotional toll on families affected by such tragedies, as Jensen-Lee's mother described living with a "life sentence of grief." The trial serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting children from violence and the serious legal repercussions when harm occurs.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026