Video footage shows dramatic police rescue of baby who had been abducted
Dramatic footage has been released showing the moment police rescued a five-month-old baby who had been abducted from his home.
West Midlands Police issued the video after James Dempsey, of Eden Road in Solihull, was jailed for 27 months at Birmingham Crown Court.
The court was told Dempsey (pictured), 35, snatched the infant from an address in Sutton Coldfield in April, leading police to issue an urgent appeal to help trace him.
The West Midlands force responded to sightings of Dempsey’s Vauxhall Astra in Olton and Sheldon and intercepted the car the following day at a roundabout near Birmingham Airport.
Body-worn cameras captured the scene as officers lifted the baby from the front passenger seat, placed him on a jacket and checked he was not injured.
Police said the mother of the child had given her consent to release the footage and thanked officers for reuniting her with her baby.
Dempsey, who was known to the boy’s mother, admitted child abduction, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, theft and motoring offences at an earlier hearing.
Commenting on the operation to trace Dempsey, Chief Inspector Ian Ingram said: “Despite the commotion, with blue lights flashing and sirens blaring, the baby stayed remarkably calm throughout the ordeal and only cried when officers started cleaning him up.
“The video shows the human side of policing, caring for a little baby with compassion and tenderness just moments after a dynamic pursuit.
“It was such a relief we were able to reunite mum and son.”
The officer added: “We received two crucial 999 calls that enabled us to direct police resources to the right area and led to the child’s safe return.
“It’s a great example of the police and public working effectively together – and achieving a brilliant result.
“I’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and particularly to the alert members of the public who made those crucial 999 calls.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2019, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) West Midlands Police.
