LIFE SENTENCES FOR MUM AND PARTNER WHO KILLED TODDLER ALFIE PHILLIPS
A mother and her former partner have received life sentences after being convicted of killing her 18-month-old son in what was described as a prolonged night of violence.Alfie Phillips passed away on 28 November 2020, having sustained over 70 visible injuries and containing traces of cocaine in his system.
Sian Hedges, aged 27, and Jack Benham, aged 35, denied the charge of murder.
During a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Hedges was sentenced to serve at least 19 years, while Benham received a minimum term of 23 years.
The judge, Justice Cavanagh, stated that Alfie was subjected to a frenzied assault that resulted in around 50 injuries on the night of his death.
Addressing Hedges directly, he remarked, "You were Alfie's mother and he deserved your protection." Alfie's father, Sam Phillips, described him as "good as gold" and "lively," expressing his sorrow at missing the chance to see him grow up.
"The funeral was one of the hardest days of my life.
The images of his tiny coffin will stay with me forever," he shared.
The incident took place overnight during the COVID-19 lockdown period, in Benham's caravan situated in Hernhill, near Faversham.
Throughout the nine-week trial, which concluded on 30 November 2023, the prosecution argued that both individuals were involved in the assaults leading to Alfie’s death.
