MAN SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR TORTURING AND SEXUALLY ASSAULTING 18-MONTH-OLD
A man in his twenties was put behind bars after he tortured and abused a toddler.Kane Fanelli, aged 27 and residing at Clover Close in Luton, received a 22-year prison sentence from St Albans Crown Court on Thursday, October 17.
From May to June 2018, Fanelli inflicted prolonged abuse upon an 18-month-old boy.
The child, who is now protected, endured a series of severe injuries including bruises, swelling, bite marks, burns, cuts, and abrasions.
In July 2018, the victim was taken to hospital with an injury, and after medical staff examined him thoroughly, they identified numerous other painful injuries that were considered non-accidental, prompting police intervention.
A paediatrician involved in the case remarked that in over 25 years of practice, he had rarely seen such extensive injuries in a child, and noted it was fortunate he was still alive.
The child received medical treatment to ease his suffering and was immediately placed under police protection.
Fanelli was taken into custody on July 4, 2018, and was later charged in relation to the case.
On October 17, he was convicted of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of sexual assault.
Four days after sentencing, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison plus a four-year extended licence at the same court.
Before his eventual release, he will undergo assessments to determine whether he remains a threat to the public.
His name will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely, and he will be subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) with restrictions preventing contact with any child under 16.
Fanelli is also barred from communicating with the now three-year-old victim, who is currently in foster care.
