A man has been branded a "violent coward" after he was jailed for assaulting a two-year-old girl and leaving her with life-changing injuries.

Kiernan Hughes-Mason was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty after the girl was found with serious injuries in Westcliff in January 2020.

The 32-year-old denied the charges against him, but was found unanimously guilty on 20 August, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Today, Hughes-Mason has been sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison.

The two-year-old's injuries were so severe she was placed in an induced coma and taken to Great Ormond Street Hospital for further treatment.

Doctors identified 17 different injuries and she remained in a coma for 14 days.

Essex Police has described Hughes-Mason as a "coward".

After the sentencing today, Det Sgt Ellie Nudd, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Hughes-Mason lied to 999 call handlers, paramedics, police officers and hospital staff on the day of the incident, immediately trying to cover up his attack.

"He can only be described as a coward.

“Most of all our thoughts are with an immensely brave girl and her family who have worked with us to make sure justice was done.

"Our county is a safer place now that Hughes-Mason is behind bars.

Hughes-Mason, who has previously been employed as a player and reserve-team manager at the football club Hashtag United, was sentenced by Judge Graham who said the vigorous shaking, and bashing against a hard surface, was a “vicious assault”.

During a victim impact statement, the victim’s mother said the incident was the "worst day of my life".

DS Nudd added: “The girl’s family have shown incredible strength to listen to this trial unfold, and their testimonies on Hughes-Mason have all contributed to this sentencing.

“Our Child Abuse Investigation Team have worked tirelessly to gather the required evidence to secure these charges.

“Our colleagues in the East of England Ambulance Service quickly saw the extent of the girl’s injuries when called to the address that night and have supported our investigation diligently.

“We would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their work throughout this case and everyone who gave evidence and who had a part to play in making sure he faced justice.”