SIAN HEDGES AND JACK BENHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC MURDER OF ALFIE PHILLIPS IN HERNHILL NEAR FAVERSHAM

A tragic and devastating case has culminated in the life sentences of Sian Hedges, aged 27, and Jack Benham, aged 35, for the brutal murder of an 18-month-old boy named Alfie Phillips. The heinous crime took place during what authorities described as a prolonged night of violence, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

Alfie Phillips lost his young life on the night of November 28, 2020. An autopsy revealed that he had sustained over 70 visible injuries, a testament to the ferocity of the assault. Additionally, toxicology reports confirmed the presence of traces of cocaine in his system, further highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

Both Hedges and Benham denied the charges of murder throughout the trial, but their defenses were ultimately unsuccessful. The case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court, where Justice Cavanagh delivered a stern verdict. The judge described Alfie’s death as the result of a “frenzied attack,” during which he endured approximately 50 injuries. The severity and number of wounds underscored the brutality of the assault.

In his sentencing remarks, Justice Cavanagh emphasized the profound breach of trust and responsibility. Addressing Hedges directly, he stated, “You were Alfie’s mother and he deserved your protection.” The court heard that as a mother, Hedges was expected to safeguard her child, yet she failed in this fundamental duty. Alfie’s father, Sam Phillips, expressed his grief, describing Alfie as “good as gold” and “lively,” and lamented the loss of the opportunity to raise him, feeling profoundly robbed.

The crime was committed during a night in lockdown, in a caravan located in Hernhill, a village near Faversham. The trial revealed disturbing details about Alfie’s injuries prior to his death. These included a cut from a key, an incident where he hit his nose on teeth during play, and multiple fractures to his ribs, arms, and leg. Evidence also indicated signs of smothering, and the presence of cocaine in his tiny body.

Further details emerged about the events leading up to Alfie’s death. On the night before he died, Hedges had gone out to buy drugs, settle a debt, and purchase drinks for the evening. During police interviews, Benham admitted to biting Alfie and shaking him when the child was unresponsive. Hedges, on her part, described feeling overwhelmed upon hearing of Alfie’s death. She called her mother and screamed that Jack had murdered her son, expressing her distress and grief.

Throughout the trial, Hedges maintained that she did not see Benham commit the murder and claimed she was not present during the violence. She denied deliberately beating Alfie or covering for Benham. The court, however, found the evidence of severe injuries and cruelty compelling, leading to the sentencing of Hedges to a minimum of 19 years in prison, while Benham received a sentence of at least 23 years.

Police, family members, and the wider community expressed their outrage and sorrow over the tragic loss of Alfie. They emphasized that he deserved love, protection, and care—rights that were tragically denied to him in his final hours. The case has left a lasting scar on those who knew him, and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and violence against the most vulnerable members of society.