Kiernan Hughes-Mason, a former EFL footballer, has been found guilty of child cruelty and grievous bodily harm after violently assaulting his ex-partner's two-year-old daughter in January 2020, leaving her with life-changing brain injuries that require 24-hour care. The severe injuries, described by medical experts as comparable to those from a high-speed traffic accident, were discovered after Hughes-Mason called paramedics, claiming the child had fallen from a dollhouse. Text messages revealed his frustrations about caring for the child, contradicting his claims of being a devoted caregiver. Following the conviction, Hughes-Mason was dismissed from his managerial position at Enfield Borough FC, with the club emphasizing their commitment to integrity. He will be sentenced on September 10 at Basildon Crown Court. Hughes-Mason had a career in football that included youth stints at Arsenal and Tottenham before playing for various clubs in lower leagues.