Father jailed for life after breaking four-week-old son’s neck and leaving him to die in cot
A father has been sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison for the murder of his four-week-old son, who he left to die in his cot after breaking his neck and inflicting multiple other injuries.
Michael Davis was found guilty of killing his son Ollie Davis, who was pronounced dead in October 2017 after being discovered lifeless in his cot. The infant had also sustained fractures to his skull, collar bone, both arms, and the joints of all his limbs.
During the sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Mr Justice Cotter described the murder of Ollie as involving a “devastating” fatal spinal injury inflicted up to eight days before his death. Ollie’s mother, Kayleigh Driver, was also sentenced to seven years in prison for causing or allowing the death of a child and serious physical injury.
The court heard that Davis had shown “callous indifference” by not seeking medical help for his son, despite the severity of his injuries. The judge also noted that Ollie had suffered 23 rib fractures and other injuries usually seen after a “high energy car crash.”
In a shocking revelation, it was disclosed that Davis had started a birthday fundraiser on his Facebook page for a charity that supports families affected by the death of a baby, four years after he murdered his son. The charity expressed anger and disbelief at Davis’s actions, calling it an attempt to paint a “sympathetic picture” of himself.
The sentencing of Davis and Driver was delayed due to complex medical evidence and health issues suffered by Driver. Ollie’s grandfather described the family’s devastation upon learning the truth about Ollie’s death, calling the actions that led to his demise “evil.”
Speaking outside the court, Detective Inspector Mark Parish emphasized the importance of seeking justice for Ollie, stating that the infant had been let down in the most horrendous ways imaginable. The Crown Prosecution Service also condemned the parents’ actions, noting that they had lied repeatedly about the events leading to Ollie’s death.
The case has left a lasting impact on Ollie’s extended family, who have been described as being dragged through hell for nearly seven years with all the lies and deceit. The community has been left in shock and disbelief at the heinous crime committed against an innocent child.