Maidstone Crown Court has delivered a guilty verdict for the murder of 18-month-old Alfie Phillips against his mother, Sian Hedges, and her former partner, Jack Benham. The tragic incident occurred in a caravan located in Hernhill, near Faversham, Kent. The court heard distressing details of the toddler’s demise, with over 70 visible wounds and traces of cocaine found in his body.
Despite denying the charges, both Hedges, 27, and Benham, 35, were found guilty of employing “aggressive, violent discipline” on young Alfie. The judge has indicated that they both may face life sentences.
The courtroom narrative revealed that on the night before Alfie’s death, Hedges went to procure drugs and settle a £400 debt, with plans for an evening in the caravan with Benham. Benham later informed the police that he attempted to rouse Alfie by biting him on the back and shaking him when he discovered the toddler unresponsive the following morning.
Alfie’s autopsy disclosed severe injuries, including fractures to his ribs, arms, and leg, signs of smothering on his lips and mouth, and the presence of cocaine in his system. Sam Phillips, Alfie’s father, described his son as “good as gold” and “lively,” emphasizing the joy the toddler brought to his life.
Detective Chief Inspector Kath Way of Kent Police stated that while the verdict cannot bring Alfie back, it does mean that Hedges and Benham will face the consequences of their actions, losing their freedom and the life they knew. She emphasized the unimaginable suffering Alfie endured during a night of sustained violence, highlighting that the toddler should have been protected and loved by his mother.
Had Alfie survived, he would now be four years old and embarking on his school journey. Instead, his life was tragically cut short by those he should have trusted the most.
Throughout the nine-week trial, the prosecution argued that both defendants were complicit in the assaults leading to Alfie’s death, characterizing the acts as aggressive, violent “discipline” agreed upon by both parties. Jurors unanimously reached this conclusion after approximately 10 hours of deliberation.
The court also heard about older injuries Alfie had sustained in the months preceding his death, with explanations provided by the defendants, such as injuries from playing with keys and an incident involving his fingers caught in a dog gate.
Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) assistant director for local services, expressed the devastating impact of any child’s death and the added distress caused by the cruelty Alfie experienced at the hands of those entrusted to care for and protect him.
