Teen guilty of killing toddler

A 15-year-old boy was found guilty today of murdering a two-year-old girl he was babysitting because he got tired of her behaviour…

A 15-year-old boy was found guilty today of murdering a two-year-old girl he was babysitting because he got tired of her behaviour.

Karl McCluney inflicted 68 injuries on two-year-old Demi Leigh Mahon in July last year.

The boy, who admitted manslaughter, was left in charge of the toddler by her mother, Ann Marie McDonald, for 90 minutes while she went out to get her child benefit, PA reported.

The attack on Demi Leigh was so ferocious, she was punched repeatedly in the face, that she was left with brain damage, Manchester Crown Court heard.

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Pathologist Naomi Carter said part of her scalp was also sheared off, most likely as a result of her coming into contact with a hard surface.

McCluney had taken her to a park before the savage attack at his home in Salford, Greater Manchester.

The jury heard that the boy had never explained his attack on Demi Leigh but had alluded to the fact he was angry with her behaviour.

Justice Sweeney warned him that he would serve a minimum of 12 years before adjourning the case for pre-sentence reports.

McDonald sobbed silently when the verdict was read out. McCluney sat listlessly, looking down at his shoes.

He was remanded into secure accommodation until sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on July 31st.

Demi Leigh had what doctors believe were bite marks on her right arm and back, and her ears had either been pulled, pinched or kicked.

Carter told the jury it was neither "reasonable or credible" that the vast majority of the injuries were sustained accidentally.

McDonald had left her daughter with the boy on several occasions before.

Reuters