Telford couple sentenced following death of 11 month old son
A Telford couple were today convicted following the death of their 11 month old son Oliver Sargent who died in July 2012.
Paul James Thomas, 29 of an address of Deercote in Hollinswood, Telford was convicted of manslaughter, whilst his wife Ashlea Leanne Thomas (nee Sargent), 21, of the same address was convicted of causing and allowing the death of a child.
Paul Thomas was sentenced to 10 years in prison whilst Ashlea Thomas was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years.
The sentencing took place today, following a five week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
The court heard how Oliver was admitted to hospital several times between 1 May and 27 July 2012, for what was believed to be a viral infection. On the 27 July he was admitted by ambulance to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, after he was found unresponsive. Several serious head and body injuries were uncovered, some of which are believed to have been caused before the incident on 27 July.
Oliver died in hospital on 31 July. His parents were arrested by officers from West Mercia Police and subsequently charged.
Detective Inspector Ernie Locke who led the investigation said
"Our aim was to be the voice of Oliver Sargent in court, and seek out the truth. Hopefully we've been able to achieve this. Safeguarding children is at the core of West Mercia Police, and extremely important to all our officers.
"This unthinkable crime, has led to the tragic death of an innocent baby.
"We would like to thank everyone who has assisted us with this lengthy and complex investigation. Our thoughts are with the wider Sargent family."
Sandra McNair, NSPCC Midlands Regional Head of Service, said:
“Little Oliver Sargent died at the violent hands of his father, Paul Thomas, whilst his mother, Ashlea Thomas, allowed his persistent abuse to happen. The people who should have cared for and protected Oliver, were responsible for causing him to suffer unimaginable pain until the day he died.
“It is heartbreaking to know that this defenceless baby died after sustaining horrific injuries; injuries said to be consistent with being involved in a 40mph road accident. That he should have endured such agony in his short life is extremely distressing and his parents have rightly been held to account for their crimes.
“Paul Thomas and Ashlea Thomas are ultimately responsible for Oliver’s death. Between them, they deliberately set out to cover up the devastating abuse and neglect of their son and when questioned, sought to explain away injuries as accidental. It is clear however that there were adults in Oliver’s life who had concerns for his welfare and a serious case review is underway to explore how lessons can be learned to help prevent what happened to Oliver, from happening again.”
