Parents Jailed After The Death Of Birmingham Toddler
22 December 2014, 11:41 | Updated: 22 December 2014, 13:15
The parents of a Birmingham toddler have been jailed for causing or allowing his death.
22 month old Levi Blu Cassin died last February at an address in Nightingale Avenue in Castle Bromwich.
27 year old Danielle Cassin, from Frensham Close, Chelmsley Wood and 31 year old Mark Piper, who has no fixed address will spend 9 years each behind bars.
During the case the court heard that Levi’s mother had called for an ambulance at 4.54am on 20 February 2013 stating her son was not breathing.
He was taken to hospital but despite efforts by medics he was pronounced dead a short time later.
A postmortem examination revealed that the toddler had suffered severe abdominal injuries which had caused his death.
A police investigation began and both Cassin and Piper were arrested the same day as Levi's death.
Whilst being interviewed by police they denied any wrong doing, but after less than a day's deliberation on Friday the jury decided they had caused or allowed his death.
They were found not guilty on charges of murder and manslaughter.
Inspector Bob Sutton, from West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit, said: “The death of any young child is a tragedy and Levi Blu lived for just 21 months.
“He should have had a full life ahead of him but this was taken away by parents who failed to provide the necessary care or a safe environment, finally subjecting him to a violent attack and ultimately failing to seek medical attention.
“Throughout the investigation and trial they have continued to conceal the truth and evidence gathered over 18 months by a dedicated team of investigators has led to a successful prosecution.
“As parents they were in a unique position of trust and care, they did not meet their responsibilities.
“There remains great sadness. It is small consolation that justice has now been done in regard to Levi Blu and his parents now face lengthy spells in jail for causing his untimely death.”