KETTERING BABY KILLER RYAN COLEMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF EVELYN IN BIRMINGHAM

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Kettering and the wider region, Ryan Coleman, a 23-year-old man with no fixed abode, has been convicted of the murder of a one-year-old girl named Evelyn. The tragic incident occurred in April 2018, and the trial, held at Birmingham Crown Court, lasted three intense weeks before the jury reached a unanimous verdict.

On April 26, 2018, Evelyn was discovered unresponsive at a property located on Regent Street in Kettering. Despite efforts to save her, she was rushed to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where she succumbed to her injuries three days later. The medical examination revealed that Evelyn had sustained injuries described as 'car crash-like,' including multiple bruises, bleeding on her brain and spinal cord, and a total of 31 external injuries, notably damage to both eyes. These injuries pointed to a deliberate and violent assault inflicted upon her.

Throughout the trial, evidence was presented that painted a disturbing picture of the assault. Medical experts testified that Evelyn’s injuries were among the worst they had ever seen, indicating a brutal attack by Coleman. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Coleman refused to attend the sentencing hearing, choosing instead to storm out on several occasions during the proceedings, including during cross-examination. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, deliberated for just over four hours before returning a verdict of guilty.

During the trial, it was revealed that Coleman had failed to call emergency services after the assault. Instead, it was Evelyn’s mother, who was at work at the time and was contacted by Coleman, that made the emergency call. The prosecution highlighted that Coleman’s account of the incident was inconsistent and implausible. He claimed that Evelyn had become unresponsive after falling from a toddler bed measuring only 36 centimeters in height. Furthermore, he attempted to shift blame onto Evelyn’s mother, alleging that she caused the injuries while trying to resuscitate her.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Stuart Hitchon, expressed his outrage at Coleman’s actions. He stated, “Not only did Ryan Coleman murder a one-year-old girl, inflicting catastrophic injuries on her, he also subjected Evelyn’s mother and family to the trauma of a trial. Losing a child is the worst pain imaginable, and Ryan Coleman made Evelyn’s mother relive that pain repeatedly in court. His actions alone caused Evelyn’s death, and because of him, Evelyn’s mother is now unable to enjoy the many milestones of her daughter’s life—her first steps, her first day at school, her developing personality, and her hobbies. Ryan Coleman has robbed her of all these precious moments forever.”

Judge Mrs. Justice Sara Cockerill DBE, presiding over the sentencing, described Coleman’s conduct as a “serious and violent assault on a defenseless baby.” She emphasized that Coleman’s failure to call emergency services and his lack of remorse demonstrated a callous disregard for Evelyn’s life. The judge sentenced Coleman to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years, noting that he had shown no remorse and that his story was “utterly lacking in credibility.”

In a heartfelt statement, Evelyn’s mother expressed her profound grief and the lasting impact of her daughter’s death. She described Evelyn as a “smiley, happy baby” who managed to smile even during hospital stays. She shared the pain of losing her child and the emptiness that now pervades her life, stating, “My love for her leaves me with memories that no one can steal. Every day is a struggle, and my grief overwhelms me. I have a hole in my heart that will never be filled again.” She concluded by reaffirming her love for Evelyn and her hope that her daughter’s memory will be cherished forever, trusting that God will love and protect her now that she is gone.