Ryan Parker: Luton carpet fitter jailed for tormenting child
A carpet fitter who subjected his partner's young son to a campaign of violence causing a serious brain injury has been jailed for 12 years.
The three-year-old boy is unlikely to fully recover, Luton Crown Court heard.
Judge Stuart Bridge branded Ryan Parker, 29, from Butlin Road in Luton, a "sadistic bully".
The boy's 24-year-old mother was jailed for 18 months after admitting allowing her child to suffer physical harm.
The mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was infatuated with Parker and failed to protect her son or seek help until he was at death's door, Judge Bridge said.
Parker was also found to be keeping and viewing images of child sex abuse on his computer while on bail.
Fears loud voices
He had pleaded not guilty to cruelty and two charges of causing grievous bodily harm, but was convicted by a jury in March.
He admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm, which caused the boy's serious head injury, and 19 charges of possessing child abuse images and extreme pornography.
Judge Bridge said he would serve a 12-year jail term and a further five years on licence.
He told Parker: "You are a self-pitying bully and you targeted a vulnerable three-year-old child.
"The injuries bear the hallmarks of brutality and at times sadism.
"But the injuries are permanent and life changing. He will never be the same again."
The judge said the child had difficulty walking, will not use one arm, and his vision has been affected.
He is scared of going upstairs, does not like dark places and fears loud voices.