A 25-year-old man has been handed a life sentence after admitting to the brutal murder of his three-week-old son, whose injuries were so severe they resembled those of a car crash victim.
Little Kayden had suffered multiple fractures, brain damage, and internal bleeding at the hands of his own father, who was supposed to protect him. Medical experts described the injuries as some of the worst they'd ever seen in a child so young.
A Shocking Case of Infant Cruelty
The court heard how the father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been alone with the baby when the fatal assault occurred. Neighbors reported hearing the infant's distressed cries before the attack.
Paramedics who rushed to the scene found the newborn unresponsive with catastrophic injuries. Despite emergency treatment, Kayden died in hospital two days later.
Justice Served
Judge Sarah Johnston handed down the life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years, stating: "This was a sustained and brutal attack on the most vulnerable of victims."
The mother, who was not present during the assault, has been left devastated by the loss of her child. In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, she described Kayden as "the light of my life".
System Failures Under Scrutiny
The case has raised serious questions about child protection services, as it emerged social workers had previously visited the family home. A serious case review is now underway.
Detective Inspector Mark Robinson, who led the investigation, said: "This is one of the most distressing cases I've encountered in my career. No child should suffer like this."
