Three convicted over protracted death of toddler
11/11/2008
Following a nine week trial three people have been convicted at the Central Criminal Court over the death of a seventeen month old child in London.
Over the final eight months of his life, the child was subjected to a course of abuse of increasing violence which culminated in a broken spine and then finally, his death.
A 32 year old man was found guilty of causing or allowing the death and his partner, who was the child's mother, pleaded guilty to allowing the death to happen. Jason Owen, 36, was also found guilty of causing or allowing the death of the child.
Judith Reed, Head of Homicide for CPS London, said:
"This was a sickening crime against a vulnerable child, perpetrated by the very people who should have protected him. Instead, his carers subjected him to months of agony of a truly torturous nature which ended in his death.
"While nothing will bring this toddler back, the prosecution of these individuals and today's verdict have ensured that the abusers have faced justice.
"The Crown Prosecution Service offers its heartfelt condolences to this little boy's family for their tragic loss."
At the time of death, the toddler had a large number of injuries, including eight fractured ribs, a missing tooth which he was found to have swallowed, missing parts to two of his fingernails and tips of fingers, a missing toenail, ulcerated lesions on his scalp and both his ears, a tear between the upper lip and gum, extensive bruising and a broken spine which would have caused paralysis.
The Crown's case was that the defendants not only subjected him to protracted violence, but that they also made a concerted effort to evade the reaches of the people who might be able to save him. Tactics included covering bruises with chocolate and lying to avoid visits from social workers.
The mother's partner moved into the household in November 2006 and the first instance of bruising to the child was detected just weeks later.
The prosecution case used evidence from 106 witnesses which included medical experts, social workers, police representatives and friends and relatives of the defendants.
ENDS
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