ROCHDALE FATHER CRAIG DAWICK AND CHANTELLE FLYNN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF BABY LEYTON
In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rochdale, a father and his partner have been brought to justice for the horrific death of an eight-month-old baby boy named Leyton Dawick.The incident, which occurred on September 6th of the previous year, revealed a pattern of violence and neglect that culminated in the child's tragic demise.
According to court proceedings, Leyton suffered injuries that are typically associated with high-speed car crashes, a testament to the severity of the violence inflicted upon him.
The Manchester Crown Court heard that Craig Dawick, aged 25, was responsible for the brutal assault that led to his son's death.
The evidence presented detailed how Dawick physically assaulted Leyton by kicking, punching, and stamping on him, resulting in injuries described by medical experts as among the most severe they had encountered in over 300 cases involving child injuries.
These injuries included stamp marks to Leyton's groin, signs of vigorous shaking, and severe internal trauma caused by punches.
The child's condition was so dire that scans revealed multiple, unsurvivable brain injuries.
Leyton was placed on medical life support, but tragically, the medical team withdrew treatment two days later, after which he succumbed to his injuries.
The court heard that Leyton was suffering from teething and heartburn at the time of the assault.
His twin brother was also present in the household, which was located on Durham Street, Rochdale.
The child's mother, Chantelle Flynn, 25, was the one who left Leyton and his brother in the care of Dawick that day.
Approximately half an hour after she left, Dawick contacted her by phone.
When she returned home, she found Leyton struggling to breathe and losing color, prompting her to call an ambulance immediately.
Flynn, who was described as being 'besotted' with Dawick and having regarded him as a 'brilliant father,' was aware of his violent tendencies.
Despite this knowledge, she chose to cover for him by lying to paramedics and police about his whereabouts at the time of Leyton's injuries.
She was later convicted of causing or allowing the death of her child and perverting the course of justice.
Flynn was granted bail pending sentencing at a later date.
During the trial, Dawick denied murder, claiming that the injuries resulted from an accidental incident where he allegedly pulled a cover from underneath Leyton, causing the child to fall from the sofa onto the hard floor.
However, the evidence and expert testimony painted a different picture, indicating deliberate and violent assault.
Judge Sir John Royce sentenced Dawick to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years.
In his remarks, the judge expressed profound disbelief and horror at the brutality of the attack, stating, “It is difficult to comprehend how any father could kick or stamp on his child’s pubic area with such force to cause these gross injuries.
It defies belief.
Some might describe it as sadistic.” The case has left the community of Rochdale in shock, highlighting the tragic consequences of unchecked violence and neglect towards vulnerable children.
