COUPLE JAILED FOR MURDER OF BABY SON
Warning: This article contains details that may be upsetting to some readers.In April 2023, graphic images revealed the squalid living conditions of the home where Finley Boden was murderously harmed by his parents.
A mother and father, both users of cannabis, have been found guilty of the “savage and brutal” Christmas Day murder of their infant son.
The child was subjected to repeated acts of severe violence, including burns and beatings, in the days leading up to his death.
Stephen Boden, aged 30, and Shannon Marsden, aged 22, were convicted on a Friday after a five-week trial at Derby Crown Court.
Their son Finley died in early 2020 during the Covid pandemic lockdown, just 39 days after being returned to their care.
Prosecutor Mary Prior KC outlined how Finley had sustained numerous horrific injuries, many inflicted shortly before his collapse.
The boy had endured 57 fractured bones, including 45 broken ribs, multiple burns, and 71 bruises, all developing in the weeks before Christmas 2020.
The injuries involved a shattered shoulder, broken arm, fractured shinbone, a thigh broken in four places, and a pelvis broken in two.
Complications included pneumonia, inflammation of the heart lining (endocarditis), and sepsis.
During opening statements, Ms Prior described the case as “the savage and brutal murder of a baby boy.” It was noted that Finley's pelvis was shattered in two areas, likely from prolonged kicking or stamping, and he had burns on his left hand from either a hot surface or a cigarette lighter.
Finley suffered a cardiac arrest at their terraced home on Holland Road in Old Whittington, Derbyshire.
Emergency services responded at 2:33 am on Christmas Day; despite efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead approximately an hour later.
Shortly after his death, Boden was heard at the hospital telling Marsden he planned to sell Finley's pushchair online an admission later explained as an attempt to lighten the mood.
On January 11, 2021, Marsden expressed remorse while visiting Finley's body in a hospital chapel, saying, “His dad’s battered him to death.
I didn’t protect him.” Boden initially claimed that the family dog might have caused his son's rib fractures by jumping on him, and suggested injuries to Finley's mouth resulted from self-harm with a rattle.
He also sent a disturbing message two days before Finley's death, stating, “I want to bounce him [Finley] off the walls.” Evidence showed that Finley was gradually returned to his parents over eight weeks after a court order in October 2020, despite social workers recommending a longer transition period.
Concerns about child safety had initially led to his removal shortly after his February 2020 birth.
Text message evidence from December 6, 2020, revealed searches for women’s refuges in Chesterfield.
Six days later, Marsden sent distressing texts to a relative, expressing frustration with her partner and worrying about losing custody of Finley.
Throughout December, Marsden communicated fears and pleas involving her desire to remove Finley, including messages hinting at the possibility of him being taken away or harmed.
Just days before his death, she indicated she was scared of Stephen and believed he would kill her.
The social worker’s report had recommended a six-month transition period, tripling the eight-week window ultimately ordered in court.
Both parents pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, child cruelty, and causing or permitting the child’s death.
Marsden alleged that Boden was responsible for Finley’s fatal injuries, while Boden initially claimed he might have “rocked” Finley too hard, inadvertently causing injuries though he denied any intention to harm.
The defendants showed no reaction as the court announced the verdict; their sentencing was scheduled for later.
During the trial’s conclusion, Mrs Justice Tipples praised the jury's dedication and dismissed them from future service, thanking them for their service amid the case’s distressing details.
As she spoke, several jurors appeared tearful, while the defendants remained silent in the dock.
Police released images depicting the deplorable state of Finley's home, with cluttered surroundings, unwashed dishes, toys and bags in the bath, and a bedside table strewn with cigarette butts and energy drink cans.
A feeding bottle was found with mold inside, and stained bed sheets contrasted with the neglect.
Medics who responded at the time of Finley’s collapse found Boden attempting to revive him on the kitchen floor.
They noted the child's clothing was dirty, his hands and nails unclean, and visible fresh scrapes on his nose, with damage inside his nostrils.
