Cruel couple jailed for boy's murder

2010-07-29 22


A couple who inflicted a catalogue of abuse on a three-year-old boy have been jailed for life for his murder.


Ryan Lovell-Hancox received more than 70 injuries at the hands of Kayley Boleyn and Christopher Taylor.


The toddler died on Christmas Eve in 2008, two days after suffering a brain injury.


They were found guilty by a jury of child cruelty as well as murder. Boleyn has been told she must serve at least 13 years in prison with Taylor set a 15 year minimum sentence.


The couple, of Slim Avenue, Bilston, West Midlands, were being paid £40 a week by Ryan's mother to care for him.


The four-week criminal trial heard that Miss Hancox knew nothing of the abuse.


She told the court: "My crime was naivety. Kayley is related to my family. She never showed any signs of nastiness."


Wolverhampton City Council is currently awaiting the findings of a serious case review into Ryan's death.