MAN WHO MURDERED HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 11-MONTH-OLD BABY JAILED FOR AT LEAST 13 YEARS
A man responsible for the death of his girlfriend’s 11-month-old baby in Keady during November 2019 has been sentenced to serve a minimum of 13 years behind bars.Sharyar Ali, 34 years old and residing at Westenra Terrace in Monaghan, was convicted of killing baby Hunter McGleenon while in his care.
Evidence from medical examinations confirmed Hunter sustained 19 injuries to his head and neck regions.
Prosecutors indicated they are considering appealing the sentence, asserting it was unduly lenient.
The court learned that on the night the child died, Hunter’s mother Nicole was visiting her ailing grandmother.
Hunter’s aunt, Coleen McGleenon, described him as a “shining light” and expressed the family’s devastation, noting that Nicole was so grief-stricken she almost wished to die, longing only to be with her son.
The investigation revealed Ali’s movements before the tragedy through CCTV footage, showing him visiting multiple mobile phone shops and casinos in Monaghan and Louth, often leaving Hunter alone in the car.
Police evidence confirmed Ali was seen gambling at a Castleblayney casino for two and a half hours, after which Hunter was left outside in the vehicle.
CCTV footage later showed Ali returning to the car.
Detective Inspector Mark Gibson commented that Hunter’s life was taken later that evening after Ali went back to his house in Keady.
The following morning, Ali arrived at Nicole’s grandmother’s home and claimed Hunter was not breathing.
Hunter was declared dead at Craigavon Area Hospital shortly afterward.
Ali, originally from Pakistan, had an upcoming trial scheduled for April but pleaded guilty after jury selection.
He maintained that Hunter had fallen from a sofa during a diaper change, but the judge at Newry Crown Court dismissed this explanation.
Medical findings confirmed injuries including bruising and internal trauma, indicating the injuries were caused by trauma, not a fall.
The judge criticized Ali’s reckless management of Hunter, highlighting his distractions with mobile phones and gambling, leaving Hunter in unsafe conditions.
It was pointed out that the injuries resulted from head trauma, and Ali had not provided a convincing explanation.
The court emphasized the responsibility Ali accepted when he looked after Hunter during a difficult period for the child’s mother.
The Public Prosecution Service stated it was considering an appeal, arguing that the sentence was too lenient, noting that if a sentence falls outside the reasonable range suggested by guidelines, it can be challenged by the Court of Appeal on legal grounds.
