NOTTINGHAMSHIRE STEPMOTHER JAILED FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF DISABLED TODDLER
Stepmum Leila Borrington was sentenced on Thursday (March 16) for the manslaughter of her three-year-old stepson.Harvey Borrington died in hospital on August 9, 2021, after paramedics arrived and found him unconscious, unresponsive, and with an abnormal body posture, as revealed to Nottingham Crown Court.
Borrington was alone with Harvey at their home in Main Road, Jacksdale, at the time of the injury, while Harvey’s father was out.
Harvey was taken first to King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-In-Ashfield and later transferred to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, where he passed away.
The young boy had suffered trauma to the head.
Borrington was convicted last month of manslaughter but was cleared by a jury of murder.
She was also found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm to Harvey, including an arm fracture, and of assault causing bodily harm by squeezing his cheeks.
The investigation uncovered multiple episodes of violence directed at Harvey by his stepmother, culminating in a fatal head injury.
She was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The CPS spokesperson stated, "She has now been held accountable for what she did," and emphasized that her actions, including filming Harvey in a state of collapse and delaying seeking medical help, directly contributed to his death.
The court heard that Borrington’s video footage showed Harvey in a collapsed state, and she delayed calling emergency services, contacting Harvey's father instead, after having two qualifications in emergency first aid.
The case highlighted the vulnerability of children with disabilities and the importance of safeguarding systems.
Harvey’s mother described him as her "beautiful little boy" and a treasured grandson, mourning his loss profoundly.
Key court events included the judge’s consideration of sentence, with Borrington’s defense arguing lack of intent, and her conviction and sentencing to 15 years for manslaughter, along with sentences for GBH and assault.
The court also detailed the violent episodes, including her sustained assault, failure to protect Harvey, and how her actions reflected calculating behavior to divert responsibility.
Harvey’s death was deemed to have occurred during a fatal attack, with extensive head injuries including a fractured skull and brain bleed, following a pattern of repeated abuse and a deliberate sustained assault by Borrington, who was aware of his vulnerability due to age and disability.
