Reece Kelly, aged 31, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder and child cruelty of his four-month-old son, Dallas Kelly. The court ruled that Kelly must serve a minimum of 18 years. Additionally, Georgia Wright, aged 23, was sentenced to three years in jail for child cruelty.
The sentencing follows an extensive investigation into the death of Dallas Kelly, who passed away on October 19, 2021, four days after paramedics responded to an emergency call made by Reece Kelly reporting that his son was unresponsive. The police investigation revealed that Reece Kelly had caused Dallas’ injuries by shaking him with significant force. A medical expert compared Dallas’ injuries to those typically caused by a fall from a multi-storey building or a fatal road traffic collision.
A trial was held at Carlisle Crown Court after both Reece Kelly and Georgia Wright, from Hunday Court, Workington, denied any involvement or wrongdoing. However, on the first day of the trial, Reece Kelly admitted to manslaughter, nearly two years after the fatal incident occurred.
During the trial, evidence presented by detectives revealed that both parents had acted cruelly and neglectfully towards Dallas. It was found that they had failed to take him to medical appointments, provide adequate parental supervision, and exposed him to harmful substances. The court also learned that the parents prioritised their own drug-taking over their son’s well-being.
Medical experts appointed during the investigation established that Dallas had suffered previous injuries, including a rib fracture and a brain injury, which occurred on separate occasions.
Detective Superintendent Jenny Beattie, who led the investigation, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating that Dallas was a defenceless four-month-old boy who deserved parents who would prioritise his well-being. She reiterated that there is no excuse for causing harm or distress to a child, and she commended the accountability of Reece Kelly and Georgia Wright for their actions.
Beattie thanked all those involved in the criminal justice process, including the prosecution team, the jury, and the investigation team, for their diligent work in ensuring justice for Dallas. She acknowledged the distressing nature of the case and expressed gratitude to her team for their efforts in bringing the offenders to justice.
Victoria Agulló, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, described Dallas’ tragic end as a result of his parents’ failure to fulfil their duty of loving and caring for their child. She emphasized the shocking nature of their chaotic and drug-filled lifestyle, along with their lack of basic care. Agulló expressed hope that the outcome of the case would bring some sense of justice to those who loved and cared for Dallas.
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