Kadan Beaumont murder: Father jailed for life

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-25434882

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A father who claimed the family dog caused fatal injuries to his 11-month-old son has been jailed for life for his murder.

A Sheffield Crown Court, Michael Beaumont, 29, was ordered to serve a minimum term of 18 years after being convicted of Kadan's killing.

Kadan's mother, teaching assistant Helen Barnes, 28, was given a six-month suspended jail sentence for neglect.

The court heard Beaumont claimed his son was knocked over by their pet, Mia.

During the trial the jury was told how emergency services were called to the family home on 28 September 2011, following reports Kadan had been unwell after being knocked over by Mia the day before.

'Shocking case of violence'

He was taken to hospital where he later died.

Pathologists found 34 different injuries on Kadan's body and said he died as a result of a heavy impact to his head.

Prosecutors said Beaumont, of Chapel Street, Hoyland, near Barnsley, made up the story to disguise the injuries.

Kadan's mother, of the same address, was cleared of the charge of causing or allowing the death of the child.

Det Ch Insp Sean Middleton, who led the investigation, said it was a "shocking case of violence from a parent".

He added: "By blaming the family dog, Beaumont attempted to cover his horrific actions, but the evidence surrounding the cause of Kadan's death, provided by expert pathologists, was overwhelming."