Ex-EFL footballer found guilty of child cruelty and sacked by his club after attack leaves two-year-old girl needing round-the-clock care

Kiernan Hughes-Mason attacked the two-year-old girl in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex in 2020, leaving her in need of round-the-clock care, as per the Daily Mail. On January 31, 2020, the former footballer called emergency services and requested an ambulance when he was supposed to be looking after his ex-partner's daughter. Upon the arrival of paramedics, he initially stated that he heard a loud bang coming from upstairs while downstairs, and he thought the little girl had fallen on a dollhouse.

After the two-year-old was put into an induced coma, medical professionals found that the toddler had 17 separate injuries on her legs, back, face, and chest. All of these injuries are thought to have occurred between October 2019 and January 2020. Hughes-Mason was arrested by police on February 14, 2020, as a case of child cruelty was filed.

As per the Metro, the prosecution's attorney mentioned during the trial that a physician had compared the child's injuries to "a high-speed traffic accident" or "a fall from a substantial height of several storeys". The prosecution also presented text messages from Hughes-Mason to his then-partner which stated: "She's actually getting on my nerves" and "I'm gonna hit her".

The 32-year-old spent his youth career with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur before making two appearances for Millwall's first squad between 2009 and 2010. Later, he played for a number of non-League teams, including Barking, Grimsby, Welling, Kettering, Maidstone, Leatherhead, and Grays.

Hughes-Mason made his managerial debut with Tower Hamlets last year. Most recently, he had been serving as the manager of Enfield Borough before being fired on Wednesday following his conviction.

A statement issued by club chairman Marvin Walker on Wednesday evening read: "Effective immediately, Enfield Borough FC has decided to relieve Kiernan Mason-Hughes from his duties as manager. This decision comes in light of recent revelations regarding serious legal matters from Mr. Mason-Hughes' past, which were not disclosed during the hiring process. Enfield Borough FC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability, and we believe that this action is necessary to uphold these values. We appreciate the understanding and continued support of our fans and community during this time. No further statement will be made."

The former footballer also played and served as reserves manager for Hashtag United. The team has also now denounced the 32-year-old and released the following statement on Wednesday: "This evening the club has been made aware of some deeply shocking news regarding one of our former players and reserve team manager, Kiernan Hughes-Mason, who has been found guilty of crimes that are frankly sickening. Firstly, everyone associated with the club would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the victim and their family. We can't possibly imagine what they have been going through since these horrific events took place.

"We can categorically say that the club had no knowledge whatsoever of these events until today. We are told that the crimes he has now been found guilty of occurred before he joined us. Some serious flaws have been exposed in procedures as we'd received confirmation from the relevant authorities that he was clear to coach as part of standard background checks.

"Our club has an absolute zero tolerance policy on behaviour even closely relating to this. Our values are centered around positivity, inclusivity and above all else, creating a safe place for all.

"We reiterate our heartfelt sympathy for what the victim and their family have had to go through and would like to remind anyone reading this of some resources that are available should you need them: Childline: 0800 1111, National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247."

The 32-year-old has unanimously been found guilty by the court and will be sentenced on September 10 at Basildon Crown Court.