BABYSITTER JAILED FOR AT LEAST 20 YEARS
A caregiver who physically assaulted and violently shook a 21-month-old girl, resulting in a devastating brain injury that caused her death, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.Lilly Hanrahan passed away two days after she was discovered collapsed in Northfield, Birmingham, in November 2017.
Sean Sadler, aged 32 and from Rubery, Birmingham, was found guilty of her murder and is expected to serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
Sadler claimed in his defence that the child had simply fallen asleep and would not wake up, but this explanation was rejected by the jury.
He, who resides on Coriander Close, also received a concurrent three-year sentence for an earlier assault on the same girl about a week before her death.
During his sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr.
Justice Saini described Sadler’s efforts to hide his involvement as "shameful and cowardly." He added, "You delayed seeking medical help for a number of hours and in doing so showed callous indifference to Lilly's suffering.
It must have been obvious to you that she was seriously hurt.
"This was a brutal assault, on any view, and you have shown no remorse." The judge emphasized that the attack was brutal and noted Sadler’s lack of remorse.
Prior to sentencing, the court learned that Sadler had four prior convictions related to assault, including an incident where he struck his then-partner with a dog chain.
Other convictions involved an unprovoked punch to a woman’s face outside a social club.
Mr.
Justice Saini stated, "You are an accomplished liar.
Sadly, you were able to convince [Lilly's guardian] to allow you to have charge of Lilly.
"On one of those occasions when you were meant to be caring for Lilly, you committed a serious assault." He explained that Sadler committed a serious assault during one of the times he was responsible for the child.
Lilly had been placed in Sadler’s care by her guardian, as her biological mother was unable to care for her.
Before her death, her guardian noticed bruises on the girl and had informed her nursery to check on her.
A post-mortem revealed that Lilly had three broken vertebrae and lung bleeding dating back about three weeks, with injuries consistent with excessive force or slaps, according to West Midlands Police.
A serious case review into Lilly’s death has been conducted and is scheduled for publication in June.
