Baby Brutally Beaten to Death by Stepdad in Southeast London Flat
Toddler Suffered Year of Abuse Before Fatal Head Injury
Scott Coombe viciously assaulted 18-month-old Andrew Cawker over a year after moving into his mum Tamika Beaton’s flat in southeast London. The relentless abuse ended tragically when Coombe dealt the boy a fatal head injury.
Mother Suspected Abuse but Did Nothing
Beaton, 25, admitted manslaughter, child cruelty, and multiple assaults on Andrew at the Old Bailey on Friday. Despite suspecting her son was being hurt, she failed to protect him or seek help. Instead, she tried to cover up his injuries by blaming Andrew’s father.
Damning Evidence Found on Phones
Police uncovered chilling photos and messages on both Coombe’s and Beaton’s phones showing Andrew’s worsening injuries. The Met Police confirmed the bruises happened when Andrew was solely in Coombe’s care.
“She put her own interests ahead of Andrew’s, with disastrous consequences,” said prosecutor Sally O’Neill KC.
Stepdad’s “Vigorous” Shaking Caused Death
Coombe, 24, admitted shaking Andrew “vigorously backwards and forwards” in frustration before throwing him back, causing the fatal head injury. A post-mortem found multiple bruises on Andrew’s face and shoulders.
Photos taken before Andrew’s death showed a distressed toddler. Beaton had even stopped him starting nursery, fearing staff would question his bruises.
Detective Calls Baby’s Death a “Heartbreaking Failure”
Detective Sergeant Quinn Cutler condemned the prolonged abuse and Beaton’s inaction. “Andrew should have been safe at home with those caring for him,” he said. “Tamika Beaton suspected the abuse but chose not to act, contributing to her son’s death.”
Coombe, from Petts Wood, was arrested for grievous bodily harm and later murder before pleading guilty to manslaughter in February. Beaton, from Peckham, was found guilty of child cruelty in October after a trial.
