Dad Jailed for Life Over Shocking Murder of Baby Son
Oliver Mailey, 26, from Burnley, has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his seven-week-old son, Abel-Jax Mailey. The chilling case unfolded at their home on Piccadilly Road.
Emergency Call Ends in Tragedy
The Ambulance Service rushed to the address on November 28, 2021, at around 12.10pm. Paramedics found Abel-Jax unresponsive. Despite emergency efforts, he was later transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital but tragically died on November 30.
A Home Office post-mortem revealed the infant died from severe head injuries caused by violent shaking. Abel-Jax suffered irreversible brain damage including subdural bleeding, brain swelling, and retinal haemorrhaging.
Trust Betrayed: Father’s Violent Attack
Police initially arrested a man and woman on suspicion of assault, then murder. Investigations revealed Abel-Jax’s fatal injuries occurred under Oliver Mailey’s care, Abel-Jax’s own father and trusted caregiver.
Mailey denied knowledge of the abuse at first, but later admitted causing the injuries. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December but denied murder. A jury rejected this plea, finding him guilty of murder. He was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years.
Police Condemn Father’s Actions
“Abel-Jax’s death is utterly tragic and heart-breaking,” said Detective Chief Inspector Jane Webb of Lancashire Police. “It has devastated his family, who continue to suffer unimaginable pain.”
“As a father, Mailey was meant to love, support and care for his son. Instead, he abused that trust in the most violent way, resulting in Abel-Jax’s death.”
“When questioned by police, he repeatedly denied involvement, only recently admitting to shaking Abel-Jax. He claimed he never intended to kill or cause serious harm – but that makes him no less a coward responsible for his son’s death.”
“We welcome the verdict and thank the jury for their careful consideration during this difficult trial. Our hearts remain with Abel-Jax’s family as they cope with this devastating loss.”
