Man who bashed baby nephew jailed for at least eight years

A man who bashed his partner's seven-month-old nephew, causing him severe and lasting brain damage has been sentenced to at least eight and a half years' jail.

Andrew Nolan earlier this year pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm to baby Bobby Webber, whose parents were on their honeymoon when he was beaten in September 2014.

Bobby and his two sisters were in the care of his aunt and grandmother, but was at one point looked after by his uncle, Andrew.

The little boy's mother cried as District Court Judge Philip Ingram today detailed the injuries inflicted on the child, which included broken ribs, skull fractures, a bite mark and forehead injuries covered in butter.

Doctors were stunned when Bobby managed to recover from the horrific injuries, initially telling his parents he would likely not survive.

A GoFundMe page set up for the child said his injuries “left him completely brain damaged and requiring around the clock care”. It also says he suffers quadriplegic dystonic cerebral palsy, cortical visual impairment and epilepsy.

More than $47,000 has been raised.