Dad murders 4-month-old son by causing injuries to tot’s spine, ribs and brain

02 November 2023 , 14:55

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Reece Kelly, described as a 'monster', has been found guilty of murdering his baby son (Image: Cumbria Constabulary / SWNS)

A "monster" dad murdered his four-month-old son by inflicted "catastrophic injuries" including bleeds to his brain and spine.

Reece Kelly, 31, killed tiny Dallas whose wounds, medics told a court, were consistent with being "shaken forcefully". Kelly admitted manslaughter, claiming he shook his son "gently" and for only a few seconds, but he has now been convicted of murder.

During a three-week trial at Carlisle Crown Court, jurors were told medics switched off Dallas' life-support machine because of the catastrophic nature of his injuries. He was taken there four days prior after Kelly called for an ambulance because his son had stopped breathing in his care.

The thug is likely to serve life in jail when he is sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court (Cumbria Constabulary / SWNS)

But Dallas' mum Georgia Wright, 23, told the court she would never have left her son alone with him had she believed he could harm their son. Wright described Kelly as a "monster" during the trial. The mum herself was cleared of causing or allowing the child's death but found guilty of child cruelty along with Kelly. Dallas also suffered six rib fractures, one of which medical experts said was "weeks old".

One expert told the jury the severity of the injuries were of the kind normally sustained by people involved in multi-storey falls, car crashes, or head-crushing accidents. A number of forensic medical experts concluded that the child's injuries were consistent with him having been "shaken forcefully."

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One expert said it was "inconceivable" the actions Kelly admitted would have caused Dallas's injuries, which included multiple retinal detachments.

Kelly, who is from Workington, Cumbria, and Wright exposed their son to illicit drugs in their home and by failing to take their son to medical appointments, the court was told.

Kelly dialled 999 on October 15, 2021, asking for an ambulance because his son had stopped breathing. The baby died in a Newcastle hospital four days later.

As the guilty verdict on the murder charge was announced, Kelly - standing in the dock with his hands folded before him - closed his eyes and shook his head. As Wright was cleared of allowing or causing the death of her son, she sobbed, touching her chest and looking at the ceiling.

Kelly remains in custody and faces a life prison sentence. Wright was given conditional bail ahead of their sentencing in November. Mr Justice Dove warned Wright: "All options, in terms of sentencing, will be open."

Bradley Jolly