DELROY CATWELL SHOCKS SHEFFIELD WITH BRUTAL MURDER OF THREE-YEAR-OLD LYLAH AARON
| Red Rose Database
Sheffield Child Sexual Abuser
In a tragic and deeply disturbing case that has shocked the city of Sheffield, Delroy Catwell, aged 31, has been convicted of the heinous murder of a young girl named Lylah Aaron, who was only three years old at the time of her death. The incident occurred at a residence on Beck Road in the Shiregreen area, where Catwell was entrusted with the care of Lylah while her mother, Precious Chibanda, was at work. Instead of fulfilling his responsibilities, Catwell subjected the innocent child to a violent and sustained assault, inflicting injuries that would prove fatal.
According to court proceedings, Lylah was a lively, outgoing, and cheerful child, often seen running into her nursery with a carefree attitude just a day before her tragic death. On the day of the attack, her mother was working a shift at Derby Royal Infirmary, where she was training to become a nurse, aiming to build a better future for herself and her daughter. During her absence, Catwell was left in charge of Lylah, a decision that would have devastating consequences.
At approximately noon on February 8, the attack took place. The court heard that when Precious Chibanda called Catwell at around 2:30 pm, he claimed that Lylah was unwell and had refused to go to nursery, which was scheduled to have a 'pyjama day.' When she returned home later that day, she found her daughter asleep in bed. However, a subsequent check revealed that Lylah was unconscious, prompting her to call emergency services immediately. Paramedics arrived to find the young girl suffering from severe brain damage, broken ribs, and extensive bruising across her head and body.
Medical examinations confirmed that Lylah's injuries were consistent with repeated impacts, possibly from fists, feet, or a blunt object. The bruising and fractures indicated a brutal assault, with evidence suggesting her head had been forcefully slammed against objects or walls. Tragically, despite medical efforts, Lylah succumbed to her injuries at Sheffield Children’s Hospital later that day.
During the trial, the jury was presented with evidence that the injuries inflicted on Lylah were not accidental. Forensic analysis of her bedroom revealed damage to a wall, likely caused by her head being forcefully pressed against it. The post-mortem report detailed multiple impacts to her face and skull, along with bruises indicative of punching, kicking, and slapping. The presence of three broken ribs further underscored the severity of the assault.
Throughout the trial, Catwell denied the charges, attempting to shift blame onto his partner, Precious Chibanda. He described Lylah as demanding and clingy, suggesting that her behavior caused tension in his relationship. However, the jury found him guilty of murder after deliberating for a day. When the verdict was read, Catwell showed no visible emotion, while Lylah’s mother, overwhelmed with grief, was consoled by friends and family in the courtroom.
Judge Nicola Davies presided over the case and sentenced Catwell to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of at least 20 years before he could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized the breach of trust involved, noting that Lylah’s mother had entrusted her daughter’s care to Catwell, who then committed an unforgivable act of violence. She described the attack as one of the most severe abuses of trust imaginable, given the vulnerability of the victim.
It was also revealed during the proceedings that Catwell had a prior conviction from 2005 for sexual activity involving a 13-year-old girl, which resulted in a community rehabilitation order. Prosecutors argued that this history, combined with the brutality of the recent crime, warranted a lengthy minimum sentence. The judge acknowledged the aggravating factors, including the victim’s vulnerability, the abuse of a position of trust, and Catwell’s previous violent behavior.
Following the sentencing, police spokesperson Detective Superintendent Dave Barraclough expressed his sorrow over the case, describing Lylah as a happy and bubbly child who was loved by her family. He condemned the attack as a forceful and sustained assault on a defenseless three-year-old girl, emphasizing the horror of the crime and extending sympathies to her family during this difficult time. The case has left a lasting scar on the Sheffield community, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect and violence against children.
According to court proceedings, Lylah was a lively, outgoing, and cheerful child, often seen running into her nursery with a carefree attitude just a day before her tragic death. On the day of the attack, her mother was working a shift at Derby Royal Infirmary, where she was training to become a nurse, aiming to build a better future for herself and her daughter. During her absence, Catwell was left in charge of Lylah, a decision that would have devastating consequences.
At approximately noon on February 8, the attack took place. The court heard that when Precious Chibanda called Catwell at around 2:30 pm, he claimed that Lylah was unwell and had refused to go to nursery, which was scheduled to have a 'pyjama day.' When she returned home later that day, she found her daughter asleep in bed. However, a subsequent check revealed that Lylah was unconscious, prompting her to call emergency services immediately. Paramedics arrived to find the young girl suffering from severe brain damage, broken ribs, and extensive bruising across her head and body.
Medical examinations confirmed that Lylah's injuries were consistent with repeated impacts, possibly from fists, feet, or a blunt object. The bruising and fractures indicated a brutal assault, with evidence suggesting her head had been forcefully slammed against objects or walls. Tragically, despite medical efforts, Lylah succumbed to her injuries at Sheffield Children’s Hospital later that day.
During the trial, the jury was presented with evidence that the injuries inflicted on Lylah were not accidental. Forensic analysis of her bedroom revealed damage to a wall, likely caused by her head being forcefully pressed against it. The post-mortem report detailed multiple impacts to her face and skull, along with bruises indicative of punching, kicking, and slapping. The presence of three broken ribs further underscored the severity of the assault.
Throughout the trial, Catwell denied the charges, attempting to shift blame onto his partner, Precious Chibanda. He described Lylah as demanding and clingy, suggesting that her behavior caused tension in his relationship. However, the jury found him guilty of murder after deliberating for a day. When the verdict was read, Catwell showed no visible emotion, while Lylah’s mother, overwhelmed with grief, was consoled by friends and family in the courtroom.
Judge Nicola Davies presided over the case and sentenced Catwell to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of at least 20 years before he could be considered for parole. The judge emphasized the breach of trust involved, noting that Lylah’s mother had entrusted her daughter’s care to Catwell, who then committed an unforgivable act of violence. She described the attack as one of the most severe abuses of trust imaginable, given the vulnerability of the victim.
It was also revealed during the proceedings that Catwell had a prior conviction from 2005 for sexual activity involving a 13-year-old girl, which resulted in a community rehabilitation order. Prosecutors argued that this history, combined with the brutality of the recent crime, warranted a lengthy minimum sentence. The judge acknowledged the aggravating factors, including the victim’s vulnerability, the abuse of a position of trust, and Catwell’s previous violent behavior.
Following the sentencing, police spokesperson Detective Superintendent Dave Barraclough expressed his sorrow over the case, describing Lylah as a happy and bubbly child who was loved by her family. He condemned the attack as a forceful and sustained assault on a defenseless three-year-old girl, emphasizing the horror of the crime and extending sympathies to her family during this difficult time. The case has left a lasting scar on the Sheffield community, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect and violence against children.