LOSTOCK HALL PARENTS LAUREN COYLE AND REECE HITCHCOTT FOUND GUILTY OVER TODDLER'S DEATH IN CAGE BED

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Lostock Hall, a woman and her ex-partner have been convicted of causing or permitting the death of a young child, Ellie-May Minshull-Coyle, who was only 19 months old at the time of her death in March of the previous year. The heartbreaking details emerged during a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, revealing the disturbing conditions in which the toddler was kept in her shared flat on Ward Street, Lostock Hall.

According to court proceedings, Ellie-May's bed was transformed into what was described as a 'cage,' with the mattress and sheets covering the window, effectively isolating her from the outside world. The court heard that her bed at the two-bedroom flat was modified in a way that the open sides of the cot were enclosed using slatted sides lashed together with ligatures and electrical flex, which were then tied to the bed frame. Sheets and bedding were draped over the sides, preventing her from seeing outside, and the room was found to have no functioning lights, creating a dark and oppressive environment for the young girl.

Evidence presented during the trial indicated that there were marks on Ellie-May's wrists and ankles, suggesting she had been restrained and tied to the bed. A post-mortem examination concluded that her death was caused by 'forcible restraint by ligatures in a face-down position,' compounded by hyperthermia, or overheating. The court was told that her bedroom was completely dark, with no lights functioning at the time of her death.

Lauren Coyle, aged 19 and residing on Collins Road in Bamber Bridge, Preston, was identified as the child's mother. She explained that the 'cage bed' had been created by her then-partner, Reece Hitchcott, aged 20, of The Fieldings in Fulwood, Preston. Coyle claimed that the modifications were intended to help Ellie-May develop a sleeping routine that would allow her to sleep through the night. She described Ellie-May as her 'world' and expressed her emotional connection to her daughter.

However, the court heard disturbing messages from Coyle, including a Snapchat message sent to a friend just hours before Ellie-May's death, in which she stated, “This child is pissing me off tonight.” Additionally, at around 6 a.m. on March 23, last year, Coyle messaged her father, Sean Coyle, to report that her daughter was still crying and added, “She’s taking the Mick now,” indicating her frustration and concern.

The trial also involved a lodger, Connor Kirby, aged 20, who was cleared of all charges related to the case. As the sentencing date approaches on November 16, Judge Mr. Justice Dove granted both Coyle and Hitchcott bail, emphasizing that this decision was not indicative of the eventual sentence they might face. The court's focus remains on delivering justice for Ellie-May and addressing the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.