Parents Of Toddler From Birmingham Convicted

19 December 2014, 19:20 | Updated: 19 December 2014, 20:31

The parents of a 22 month old from Birmingham have been found guilty of causing or allowing his death but cleared of killing him.

Danielle Cassin, aged 26, of Frensham Close, Chelmsley Wood, and Marcus Piper, aged 31, of no fixed abode, were cleared of murder after a four week trial.

Their son Levi-Blu Cassin died in Castle Bromwich in 2013.

His mother had called an ambulance to say he wasn't breathing but medical staff were unable to save him and he was pronounced dead shortly after they arrived.

A murder investigation began soon after and severe abdominal injuries were found to be the cause of Levi's death.

Despite maintaining their innocence a jury decided they'd caused or allowed Levi to die although both were found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.

The NSPCC have told Heart he was let down by those who should've been looking after him.

Sandra McNair from the organisation said: "It's a deeply distressing case clearly this little boy suffered unimaginable pain and suffering and he experienced that at the hands of people who were supposed to care and protect him.

"What we do know is he lived in a house where the abuse of drugs and violence was a feature and that clearly had an impact.

"The needs of the parents were clearly put before those of the child resulting in this tragic set of circumstances."

Both Levi's parents will be sentenced on Monday 22 December.

Inspector Bob Sutton, from the force’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."

Edwina Grant, Chair of the Solihull Local Safegaurding Children's Board said: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Levi-Blu.

"I can confirm Solihull Local Safeguarding Children Board is carrying out a serious case review; the final results of which will be published in the spring."