Man jailed for eight years for killing partner's baby in rage
A man from the West Midlands was this afternoon jailed for eight years after shaking and killing his partner's child in a fit of temper.
Craig Lewis, 32, had already admitted manslaughter and inflicting grievous bodily harm on 22-month-old Kieron Barley causing him catastrophic brain injuries at the family home in 2011.
Sentencing Lewis today at Birmingham Crown Court, Judge William Davis QC told him: "I am asked to consider you are now remorseful and contrite, but I have difficulty in accepting that proposition.
"Indeed, the report compiled by the very experienced probation officer states 'the defendant's explanation for his conduct was underlying stresses coming to head - in my view Mr Lewis does not fully explain his behaviour for both offences.
"'The trigger appears to have been relatively minor and he reacted with considerable violence towards a young and vulnerable child'."
The toddler's 26-year-old mother Louise Barley, of Denshaw Road in Kings Heath, Birmingham, who had previously admitted child cruelty, was jailed for 15 months at the same hearing.
Detective Chief Inspector Dawn Miskella, from the West Midlands Police public protection unit, said: "This was a tragic and deeply upsetting case for all concerned.
"Young Kieron lost his life after Lewis admitted losing his temper on two occasions and assaulting him. Kieron was sadly let down by those who should have been caring for him.
"His mother and her partner spun a web of lies to conceal the truth of how Kieron came by his injuries and failed to seek further medical attention following the initial assault. However, almost three years on from the incidents Louise and Craig have finally admitted their crimes and have been jailed.
"We hope that the result can provide some closure for those who truly did care for young Kieron and are pleased that justice has been done. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time."
