Parents Charged After Horrific Abuse and Death of Baby Finley
Stephen Boden, 30, and Shannon Marsden, 22, have been found guilty of brutally abusing their newborn son in the weeks before his tragic death during the 2020 COVID lockdown.
The Derby Crown Court heard a grim tale of neglect and violence that left baby Finley with 71 bruises and 57 fractures, many inflicted just moments before he died.
Crushing Abuse Led to Baby’s Death
Detectives described the infant’s bones as “crushed and twisted” after relentless abuse from his parents. Finley’s injuries included a shattered pelvis, broken shoulder, arm, shin, and a thigh bone broken in four places — all pointing to extreme force like kicking or stamping.
He also suffered burns on his left hand from a hot surface and a likely cigarette lighter flame, alongside pneumonia, heart inflammation, and sepsis.
Finley died of a heart attack at their filthy, cluttered terraced home in Chesterfield, where faeces were even found in the bedroom.
Parents Denied Allegations, Showed Callousness
Boden and Marsden both denied the charges throughout the five-week trial, but the evidence was overwhelming.
Hours after Finley’s death, Boden was overheard telling Marsden he wanted to sell the baby’s pushchair on eBay — a cold comment he later claimed was to “lighten the mood.”
When viewing Finley’s body in the hospital, Marsden shockingly admitted: “His dad’s battered him to death. I didn’t shield him.”
Social Services Had Removed Baby Before Return to Abusive Parents
Finley had been taken from Boden and Marsden shortly after birth in February 2020 over child welfare concerns. Despite Derbyshire social workers requesting a six-month transition period, a court ordered Finley’s return to his parents after just eight weeks.
Tragically, Finley died just 39 days after being placed back in their care during the harsh winter lockdown.
Justice Served, but Questions Remain
Both Boden, of Romford Way, Barrow Hill, and Marsden, currently of no fixed address, were convicted of murder, child maltreatment, and causing or permitting a child’s death. Sentencing will follow.
Mrs Justice Tipples praised the jury for their dedication during the harrowing trial, discharging them from any future jury duties for life.
“The violence these two inflicted and their wilful neglect is incomprehensible. They should have protected Finley as parents — not caused him harm,” said Andrew Baxter, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor.
“They sought custody of their child, then treated him in this heinous manner.”
Detective Inspector Steve Shaw said the scale of abuse was staggering: “Finley’s bones had to be crushed and twisted with quite some force — accidental explanations were ruled out.”
The case has prompted a child safeguarding review to investigate how the devastating abuse was allowed to happen.
