Workington man sentenced to life in jail for murdering baby son
Reece Kelly, from Workington was looking after four-month-old Dallas Kelly at home in October 2021 when the fatal incident happened.
Last updated 21st Nov 2023
A Cumbria man's been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 18 years, for murdering his baby son.
Reece Kelly, from Workington was looking after four-month-old Dallas Kelly at home in October 2021 when the fatal incident happened.
Dallas had suffered a traumatic head injury and died in hospital a few days later.
Experts found he'd suffered fractured ribs in the days before his death as well.
Kelly, who's 31, had denied murder, instead admitted to manslaughter - but after a trial lasting two weeks was convicted by a jury, at Carlisle Crown Court.
Dallas' mum Georgia Wright, who's 23 and also from Workington, had been found not guilty of causing or allowing his death.
She was convicted though of child cruelty and will spend three years in prison.
Detective superintendent Jenny Beattie from Cumbria Police led the investigation into Dallas's death.
She said: "The investigation started when we were informed a child had collapsed at the addressed.
It was only when Dallas Kelly went across to the RVI in Newcastle where doctors there became suspicious following some medical examinations. They found some bleeds on his brain and injuries to his eyes that they believed were akin to non-accidental injuries.
"There's no doubt in my mind that Dallas was subject to a vicious attack by his father. The shaking was described by nationally accredited experts as being vigourous, significant and described as being on the top end of the scale. The type only seen in multi-story falls or serious significant car accidents.
"His mother, Georgia Wright, lied to the police and other professionals about drugs used by the family and when they were meant to be caring for Dallas they were down stairs in the house watching films and taking drugs.
"Reece Kelly didn't really show any emotion throughout the investigation and he continuously lied, not only to the police, but the ambulance service when they attended the address to try and save the child's life. He lied to the hospital staff and he lied to his family.
"He thinks that by coming to court and giving yet another story about what happened to Dallas is satisfactory. The jury in this case, who sat and listened through very significant, complex and distressing evidence saw through those lies and he's rightly been convicted of the murder of Dallas.
"Georgie described Reece Kelly in court as a monster, and that's exactly what he is."