MICHAEL AND CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS FROM PELYNT AND SALTASH SENTENCED FOR BRUTALITY AND MANSLAUGHTER OF BABY HARLEY ROGERS

In a tragic case that has shocked the communities of Pelynt and Saltash, a 16-year-old boy named Christopher Phillips has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the manslaughter of a nine-month-old infant, Harley Rogers. The devastating incident occurred in Saltash, and the court proceedings revealed the horrifying details of the abuse that led to Harley's death.

Christopher Phillips, who resided on Wilton Terrace in Pelynt at the time of the incident, was convicted in March after a trial held at Exeter Crown Court. The conviction followed a plea of not guilty to murder, with the jury ultimately finding him guilty of manslaughter on the basis that he did not intend to inflict serious harm on the child. He was just 15 years old when he committed the act, which resulted in a fatal brain haemorrhage.

The court heard harrowing testimony from key witnesses, including Blake Nettleinghame, who described the moment Harley's head was forcefully swung against a fireplace. Nettleinghame compared the impact to the noise of a brick hitting concrete, illustrating the severity of the injury. The evidence painted a disturbing picture of violence inflicted upon the defenseless baby.

Adding to the brutality, Michael Phillips, aged 23 and also known as Craig, who lived on Wilton Terrace in Pelynt, was sentenced to three years in prison for causing Harley actual bodily harm. The court also found that Michael attempted to obstruct justice by threatening Mr. Nettleinghame, further highlighting his involvement in the case. Michael's assault on Harley included punching the infant in the face, which caused bleeding. The court noted that Harley was the child of Michael's partner, Laura Shenton, and another man.

Harley Rogers tragically died at Buller Park on December 21, 2002. The cause of death was identified as a brain haemorrhage, believed to have occurred approximately 36 hours before his death. The injuries sustained were severe and indicated a brutal attack.

During the sentencing hearing, Lady Justice Heather Hallett expressed her profound disapproval of the actions of both brothers. She remarked to Christopher Phillips, “I cannot imagine how you could have decided to batter Harley’s head against a door,” emphasizing the wickedness of the attack on such a tiny, defenseless child. She also addressed Michael Phillips, stating, “Michael punched Harley ‘purely because he looked like his natural father’,” and described him as a “bully” whose behavior was deeply troubling. The judge further commented that Michael’s conduct served as a negative influence on his younger brother, contributing to the tragic treatment of Harley, whom they treated as a “despised toy.”

Both Michael and Christopher Phillips showed no visible reaction as they received their sentences and sat in the dock. The families of Harley Rogers expressed their grief and disappointment. In a statement, Harley’s family said, “Every day since 21 December 2002 has been difficult for us. No sentence will bring Harley back, but the sentences given to Craig and Christopher Phillips will help show the community who was responsible for his death. Lady Justice Hallett gave us a clear view of the Phillips brothers’ behavior and their attitude towards Harley.”

Harley’s father, Phil Rogers, voiced his dissatisfaction with the length of the sentences, stating, “It should have been longer,” reflecting the pain and anger felt by the family over the tragic loss of their child.