Mum of Murdered Toddler Jade Dempsey Back in Custody After Bail Breach
Mother Readmitted to Custody Following Bail Breach
Jade Dempsey, 25, the mum of two-year-old Ali Jayden Doyle who died from a horrific non-accidental head injury, has been thrown back behind bars just days after breaching her bail conditions. Ali Jayden’s tragic death sparked outrage and heartbreak across Dungannon.
Accused of Perverting Justice and Child’s Death
Dempsey, formerly of Sycamore Drive, faces charges of perverting justice for feeding police false information. She’s also accused of unlawfully causing the death of her daughter. The murder itself is pinned on her partner, 32-year-old Darren John Armstrong, from Park Avenue, Dungannon.
Ignored Social Services Warning, Left Kids in Danger
Despite clear advice from social services, Dempsey left Ali Jayden and her younger sibling in Armstrong’s care on the day of the fatal incident. Due to Dempsey’s relationship with Armstrong, both children were officially listed as At-Risk.
Tragic Timeline: The Day of Ali’s Death
- On August 8, 2021, paramedics were called to Armstrong’s home where Ali was found unresponsive.
- Armstrong claimed Ali fell and hit her head on a fireplace after being pushed by her baby brother playing with a toy.
- Paramedics immediately raised concerns and alerted social services and police due to suspicious injuries.
- Dempsey initially lied, saying she left the child at Armstrong’s while searching for a lost stuffed animal, but this was later contradicted.
- Evidence showed the couple had planned for Dempsey to care for the kids while she went to Belfast to buy a pram.
- Shortly after parting, Armstrong texted Dempsey about how distressed the baby was, saying the crying was “really melting my brain.”
- A post-mortem revealed Ali’s head injuries were far too severe to be accidental, with a pathologist stating he had never witnessed such trauma in over 25 years.
Dempsey’s Changing Stories and Fear of Losing Child
During police interviews, Dempsey altered her account before finally admitting she left her children with Armstrong against social services’ warnings. She confessed to being terrified of telling the truth, fearing her son would be taken into care — a fear that became reality hours after Ali’s death.
Bail Battle Ends with Return to Prison
Dempsey was initially denied bail at Omagh Magistrates Court, but later released by the High Court. Finding her a suitable home proved difficult. Compassionate bail was granted in March by Dungannon Magistrates Court after she claimed homelessness to secure an address.
Despite complying with bail terms at that time, she breached conditions days later. Her lawyer confirmed no new bail application would be made. “My client knows she is going back to prison today,” he said, without disclosing details of the parole breach.
The grim case continues to shock the community as justice moves forward for little Ali Jayden Doyle.
