U.K. Mom & Partner Sentenced to Life for Torturing Toddler in "Night of Horror"

(Content Warning: Child abuse description)

A U.K. mother and her partner have been handed life sentences for the brutal murder of their 18-month-old son, Alfie Phillips, in a case that shocked the nation.

Sian Hedges, 27, and Jack Benham, 35, will spend a minimum of 19 and 23 years behind bars, respectively, following their conviction for what authorities call a "night of unimaginable violence" in November 2020.

Alfie's tiny body bore the horrific evidence of their cruelty. His lifeless form was found with over 70 separate injuries, including internal bleeding, broken bones, bite marks, and smothering marks. This "sustained assault," as prosecutors termed it, shattered hearts across the country.

Hedges and Benham initially tried to blame Alfie's death on an innocent nap mishap, but their story quickly crumbled under the weight of evidence. Traces of cocaine and alcohol in both their systems and Alfie's, paired with Benham's lack of proper baby supplies, exposed the truth.

After a lengthy trial, both were found guilty of murder. In a statement on Jan. 12, Detective Chief Inspector Kathleen Way said, "This was a harrowing case, but Alfie received some justice today."

[SOURCE]