A woman who sought 'how long is a prison sentence if I admit to covering up for someone' after lying to a friend accused of abusing his baby has been freed from court.
Cody Mort, 22, was spared behind bars after telling a judge she “didn't understand” the gravity of her lies.
She lied to doctors and police, telling them the child suffered the fractures after seeing him kick a TV stand while his diaper was being changed.
But she was arrested after the baby's father admitted she was not present when the toddler was injured.
The baby suffered a broken left tibia, a fracture in the fourth, fifth and seventh ribs and a healing fracture in the sixth and has since been placed in foster care.
Investigations later revealed that the 22-year-old had searched Google for 'Coverage for someone who abuses their child'.
Mort later admitted to officers that she had lied.
Cody Mort, 22, pictured, was spared behind bars after telling a judge she 'didn't understand' the gravity of her lies
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, she faced a prison sentence of up to a year under the sentencing guidelines after admitting perverting the course of justice, but was released with a 19-week prison sentence and a 12-week suspension months.
It all happened in August 2023 when she was staying with her friend.
Patrick Williamsons, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant called her mother and told her she had heard the baby crying late in the evening of the previous evening.
'She said the next morning the baby worried her, especially his left leg, and the child was taken to hospital.
'At Oldham A&E, Miss Mort said the injury was caused by the baby kicking a TV stand and stated she had been there when it happened.
“Her mother spoke to the defendant's father and told him what the defendant had said, including claiming that she had been present when the baby was injured. The father was angry that the boyfriend may have been responsible for the baby's injuries.
“But in a text message the suspect said: 'If he tells, he will never see me again.'
Mort and the friend were later arrested and interviewed. But Mort insisted she witnessed the baby kick its leg out and hit the TV set – and insisted her story was the truth.
She lied to doctors and police, telling them the child suffered the fractures after seeing him kick a TV stand while his diaper was being changed.
She said her boyfriend would “struggle” to explain things and she too “took the lead” when questioned about the baby's injuries.
But police became suspicious when the friend admitted that Mort was not present during the incident and relayed his story to her.
That evening, Mort investigated possible punishments for lying on Google and a week later he contacted the police and said she wanted to be interviewed again.
Mr Williamson added: 'She admitted that her previous claim that she was present at the time was false. She said she panicked when she gave up her first bill.”
Mort had no previous convictions.
In mitigation, defense counsel Richard Flook said: “No significant mischief was caused by her lie. She was in the hospital when she first said these things. She panicked and took charge, putting herself in a position she couldn't get out of.
'When it came up he said otherwise, she corrected this and went to the police of her own accord and told them she had lied. She is well aware that there is a risk of a prison sentence. She is very polite and very understanding and has shown genuine remorse and remorse.
'It has been a very difficult time for her. She struggles with anxiety and there are important mental health considerations to take into account.
At Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, she faced a year in prison under the sentencing guidelines
'At the time she could not understand the seriousness of her actions. She has a low risk of recidivism.'
Sentencing, Judge Neil Usher told Mort: 'By lying you risked that appropriate medical treatment for this baby could be refused or delayed because you did not tell the truth.
“But you have expressed sincere remorse. In my opinion you are not a risk.'
Mort, from Shaw, near Oldham, was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 10 rehabilitation days.
Her friend cannot be named for legal reasons to protect the child's identity.
He is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and will stand trial in March next year.
