A FUGITIVE convicted of shaking his baby so hard he suffered bleeding in his brain has been jailed — after being on the run for four weeks.

Andrew Rutter, aged 28, fled part way through a trial where he was facing a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to his son, Jacob Rutter-Harper, and wilfully neglecting him by not seeking medical help.

Rutter was found guilty by a jury in his absence and jailed for six-and-a-half years by Judge Timothy Clayson.

He has now been brought back before the courts and was jailed for an extra month by Judge Clayson at Bolton Crown Court after he admitted breaching his bail conditions.

Police closed in on Rutter, of Old Clough Lane, Walkden, this morning in Angle Street, Tonge Moor. He was arrested at about 11am.

His arrest follows his photo being featured in The Bolton News’ most wanted section.

Police made several appeals for information about his whereabouts while he was at large.

Baby Jacob, who was seven-months-old when he was injured suffered a subdural haematoma — a serious brain condition where blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain.

He is not believed to have suffered any long-term symptoms from his injuries in the incident, which happened on May 13, 2012. Jacob is now living with Ms Harpers’ parents.

Samatha Harper, aged 22, was cleared of child neglect after the prosecution discontinued proceedings.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “At 11am on Wednesday, Bolton Police arrested a male and female from an address Angle Street, Tonge Moor, Bolton.

“The male, Andrew James Rutter was arrested on warrant. The warrant was issued by Bolton Crown Court on January 28 for failing to appear. He has been charged.

“The 22-year-old woman, who was arrested for assisting an offender remains in custody.”


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