Scalded baby fighting for his life

6:15pm Monday 19th May 2008

Comments (29)   Have your say »

A baby is in a critical condition after it suffered third-degree burns when a jug of hot water was knockd into his pushchair in a coffee shop.

Dean Betts and Marie Josefsson say 18-month-old Lewis has been left with burns to 21% of his body after the accident.

They claim 18-month-old Lewis, who is on a ventilator, will need treatment for the rest of his life and has been permanently disfigured.

He has undergone skin grafts to 5% of his body and remains critical condition at a hospital in Chelmsford, Essex - more than a week after the spill.

Postman Dean, 38, said he was heartbroken by his son's injuries which will leave him scarred for life.

He said: "I'm not entirely sure how it happened. We were waiting in the queue to pay and there was a tray on the counter above Lewis' pushchair.

"He was sleeping but suddenly I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. The next thing I knew, there was scalding hot water on his face, neck, back and chest.

"It was the worst experience I have ever had to deal with. To hear him crying out in pain and see him reaching out to me but knowing there was nothing I could do was utterly heartbreaking."

Another customer shouted to staff for help but then rushed the baby into the kitchen herself.

Mr Betts added: "She was amazing. We were knocked for six, totally panicking, but she took the reins and knew exactly what to do. She grabbed Lewis out of his pushchair and rushed him into the kitchen.

"She stripped off his clothing and started hosing him down under the cold tap.

"Without her things could have been much worse. I really wish she would come forward so we can thank her properly."

Mr Betts, who lives with his partner Marie, 33, herself a cafe assistant, in Bexhill, has been in touch with his solicitors and is considering bringing legal action against the cafe.

The pair are currently living in a family room at the hospital 90 miles from home.

Health and safety bosses are probing the circumstances behind the incident. Inspectors are due to visit the shop and the family has sought legal advice.

Mr Betts said: "We're not very happy to say the least, which is why we have taken it up with our solicitors. They say we have a good case.

"In the meantime, we need to make sure our little boy gets better. We are spending every minute of the day and night by his side.

"He has been totally knocked out for the last few days on sedatives and painkillers. Some days we just fall apart but we know we have to be strong for him.

"He could be in here for another week before they send him for more plastic surgery and he will probably have to have regular skin treatment for the rest of his life."

Cafe boss Stephen Jempson, who owns a chain of cafes, said: "I can't comment while investigations are ongoing for insurance reasons but I can confirm that a first aider was on site at the time of the incident.

"After an internal review Jempsons is happy with the efforts and assistance that our colleagues in the cafe offered.

"The thoughts and best wishes of all those who work at Jempsons are with the family at this time. We extend our best wishes for a full recovery."

Do you know the woman who helped Dean and Marie? Can you help them thank her for her quick thinking? Leave your comments below.