A BIRMINGHAM mother has today been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of murdering her two-year-old son. Keanu Williams died after being found unconscious at a flat in Ward End in January 2011. The toddler had suffered multiple injuries − in excess of 30 separate bruises and burns were found on his tiny body. The senior investigating police officer, who led the inquiry into Keanu’s death, today welcomed the sentence given to his mother Rebecca Shuttleworth. Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Marsh said that although justice has been done, the sentence would not bring Keanu back or make up for the terrible suffering he endured during his short life. She also paid tribute to the officers and staff who have worked on the tragic and harrowing case since January 2011. Shuttleworth, aged 25, was told she will serve a minimum of 18 years behind bars after being found guilty of murdering her son Keanu Williams following a five month trial at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday. The toddler was taken to hospital in January 2011 after being found unconscious on a sofa bed in a one bedroom flat on Old Moat Way, Ward End on the evening of 9 January 2011. He was pronounced dead at hospital a short time later. A post mortem examination revealed Keanu had suffered a fractured skull and an abdominal injury to his bowel - either one of which was potentially fatal. Her former partner Luke Southerton aged 32, was found guilty of a charge of wilful assault against Keanu and was today sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years. He was also ordered to do 200 hours of community service and undertake a 30 day activity in victim awareness work. Shuttleworth also was convicted of four counts of child cruelty and was sentenced to four years in total to run concurrently.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:45:45 +0000
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