RACHEL AND NYOMI FEE FROM FIFE AND RYTON SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF TODDLER LIAM FEE

In a harrowing case that has shocked the Scottish community, Rachel Fee, aged 31, and her civil partner Nyomi Fee, aged 29, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Liam Fee, their two-year-old son. The tragic events unfolded at their home near Glenrothes, Fife, where Liam endured a prolonged and horrific campaign of abuse and neglect that ultimately led to his death.

According to court proceedings, Liam was subjected to a 'cruel and pitiless regime' of violence and mistreatment over a period exceeding two years. The abuse culminated in his death on March 22, 2014, with the child suffering fatal injuries to his heart, injuries that resembled those typically seen in victims of severe road accidents. In the final days of his life, Liam was in excruciating pain from an untreated broken leg and a fractured arm, injuries that had been neglected by his caregivers.

Both women, originally from Ryton in Tyne and Wear, had previously been responsible for the care of two other boys. Evidence revealed that they inflicted unspeakable cruelty upon these children as well, with one of the boys being falsely accused of Liam’s death. The court heard that the couple’s actions were characterized by a complete disregard for the children’s suffering and well-being.

During the sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Burns handed down life sentences to both women, indicating that they would be in their 50s before they could be considered for parole. Rachel Fee was ordered to serve a minimum of 23 and a half years, while Nyomi Fee, described by police as 'domineering,' was to serve at least 24 years. The judge emphasized the severity of their crimes, stating, “In respect of Liam, it was plain that he had been subjected to a prolonged course of violent behaviour which caused him appalling suffering both physically and mentally and ultimately caused his death at the age of two-and-a-half.”

Throughout the court proceedings, the women displayed little remorse and showed minimal emotion as their sentences were announced. Liam’s father, Joseph Johnson, chose not to comment as he left the court. The women’s conviction followed a trial at the High Court in Livingston in May, where they were found guilty of Liam’s murder along with seven other charges. The case was among the most distressing in Scottish legal history, with some evidence presented during the trial reducing jury members to tears.

Medical evidence revealed that Liam had suffered a severe blunt force trauma to his chest and abdomen, with over 30 external injuries documented on his lifeless body. The court heard that violence against Liam had escalated in the days leading up to his death, and that the couple had failed to seek medical help despite knowing about his fractured bones. Instead of getting him aid, they displayed callous indifference, even searching the internet for information on how long a person can survive with a broken bone or die from a broken hip.

Both women admitted to serious failings in seeking medical assistance but denied the murder charge. They attempted to shift blame onto a young boy of primary school age, who cannot be named, and were convicted of trying to obstruct justice and of horrific abuse against him and another child. These abuses included denying the children access to the toilet, forcing them to take cold showers when they wet the bed, imprisoning one in a homemade cage, and tying another naked to a chair in a dark room where snakes and rats were kept, with the child being told that a boa constrictor had eaten naughty boys.

Legal representatives for the women, Brian McConnachie QC for Rachel Fee and Mark Stewart QC for Nyomi Fee, argued that their clients believed they had been victims of a miscarriage of justice. Rachel Fee, who has been disowned by her entire family, is currently held in a prison where she is kept under constant protection. Nyomi Fee has acknowledged her failure to seek medical help for Liam but maintains her innocence regarding the other charges.

Judge Lord Burns concluded the sentencing by emphasizing the responsibility both women had for the care of the children in their joint custody. He condemned their gross abuse of that responsibility, which subjected the children to a 'cruel and pitiless regime of ill treatment and neglect.' The case has prompted Fife Council to review its handling of Liam’s case, amid concerns raised by multiple individuals about his wellbeing during his brief life.