Couple Found Guilty in Shocking Baby Death at Old Bailey
Jake Drummond, 33, from Roehampton, has been found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm to 15-month-old Jacob Lennon. Jacob’s mum, Louise Lennon, 32, from Battersea, was convicted of child neglect and causing or allowing the child’s death. Both will be sentenced on Monday, 24 April.
Horrific Abuse Uncovered
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley voiced horror at the brutal abuse Jacob suffered. “No one who has listened to the catalogue of injuries inflicted on Jacob Lennon can be anything but horrified,” he said. Both Drummond and Lennon tried to dodge responsibility, blaming accidents or feigning ignorance. But the jury saw through the lies and held them accountable for the tragic death.
“This case was very distressing. I thank my team and all who supported the prosecution for their professionalism and diligence. Despite the harrowing evidence, we were determined to bring justice for Jacob,” added DCI Jolley.
Frozen Childhood: Weeks of Abuse Revealed
The nightmare began with a 999 call at 6:06am on 27 August 2019. Ambulance crews rushed to a Putney home where baby Jacob was found in cardiac arrest. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 7:22am.
A detailed post-mortem at Great Ormond Street Hospital uncovered terrible injuries. The cause of death was a fatal brain injury inflicted just hours before Jacob’s passing. Doctors found 20 recent marks on his head, face, and neck, plus injuries to his arms, legs, and body. Shocking injuries were also discovered to his genitals.
Louise Lennon claimed Drummond said a child had caused genital injuries with a toy knife. The grim truth was the little boy endured weeks of relentless abuse and violent assaults.
Cover-Up Lies Fell Apart
When police arrived, Drummond said he found Jacob unresponsive and started CPR. Lennon told officers a recent holiday playground fall caused one injury, insisting it wasn’t serious. Both spun stories about hearing a loud bang and finding Jacob on the floor. However, investigators found the accounts fabricated to cover up their guilt.
The Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command pieced together the full horror, leading to the couple’s convictions today. Jacob Lennon’s tragic death shines a light on the deadly consequences of abuse—and the relentless fight for justice.
