A BOY of 15 has been convicted of the murder of a toddler he was babysitting.

The killer can now be named as Karl Roger McCluney after the judge lifted reporting restrictions which banned him from being identified.

Two-year-old Demi Leigh Mahon had injuries in 68 different areas of her body after she was punched, kicked, and bitten by the teenager.

McCluney was annoyed she would not be quiet and after brutally attacking her, watched TV and did not get help, as she lay unconscious on a mattress.

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The child suffered massive brain damage, and died two days after the attack.

Manchester Crown Court was told McCluney had a mental disorder and symptoms included fighting, bullying, temper tantrums, and severe disobedience.

The toddler had been left with McCluney for about 90 minutes at a flat in Eccles while her mother went to collect child benefit.

Lies

McCluney  tried to cover up his crime by telling a series of lies about her injuries.

He told different witnesses Demi had fallen in the park, banged her head on an ash tray, head board, radiator, and cabinet; and that he may have hurt her picking up.

A jury of six women and six men reached their verdict after deliberating for less than four hours.

The court was told that while being held in a secure residential unit after his arrest the boy had told a member of staff: “I’m not proud of what I’ve done and everyone will think I’m a monster. But no one can ever punish me as much as I punish myself.”

McCluney chose not to give evidence and during interviews with police he said no comment or was silent when asked about what happened to Demi at the flat on July 15 last year.

He also refused to discuss it with two child psychiatrists for both the defence and prosecution.

Crown Prosecution Service lawyer, Cheryl Hramiak, said: “When medically examined, Demi had multiple injuries – many to her head, face, upper body, back and stomach – including at least one bite mark.


She had been repeatedly punched, kicked and shaken, and that all of these injuries were caused by a 15-year-old boy
Cheryl Hramiak

“The evidence suggests that she had been repeatedly punched, kicked and shaken, and that all of these injuries were caused by a 15-year-old boy.

“It is the Crown’s case that, whatever mental problems he may have had, he knew what he was doing and the likely consequences of his actions.

“Following his crime, his lies differed and were clearly aimed at placing some distance between him and the appalling harm that Demi had sustained whilst in his supposed care.

“Whilst today’s conviction sadly cannot bring Demi back, the verdict does ensure that the person responsible for her untimely death has been brought to justice. Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Demi’s family.”

Demi’s mother today paid tribute to her beautiful daughter.

Ann Marie McDonald, also known as Cindy, said: “Demi was my only daughter and my princess and I love her more than anything in the world.

“I always tried my best and did everything I could for her but feel that sometimes I didn’t get the help and support I needed.”

Commenting on the 15-year-old who killed Demi she said: “I can’t even bring myself to say his name I hate him that much.

“He is a monster who has taken my little princess away from me.”

Unanimous verdict

After two-and-half hours of deliberations the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty.

There were gasps from the public gallery and from members of Demi's family when the verdict was returned.

Shortly afterwards Demi's mother Ann-Marie left the court in tears.

The judge His Honour Mr Justice Sweeney said in view of the verdict there could only be one sentence but he adjourned sentencing so that he could receive in-depth report on McCluney before deciding on the minimum sentence he must serve.

On decided whether to lift reporting restrictions so that McCluney could be named by the media, the judge said it had been a difficult balancing act.

He said it was accepted that McCluney was suffering from a severe conduct disorder, he was only 15 and he is vulnerable.

"On the other hand he has been convicted of an appalling murder and the public had the right to know what happened."

Demi's father Gary Mahon said immediately after the verdict: "This has been a difficult year for me and for Demi's family.

"Although this will never bring Demi back I am pleased with today's verdict.

"I still can not understand why he did this to my little girl and I hope he gets locked up for a long time.

"Our little girl will be sadly missed." 

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