Doncaster couple 'covering for each other' over toddler's murder, court hears

Sarah O’Brien, 33, and Martin Currie, 36, are jointly charged with murdering Keigan O’Brien at the family home in Bosworth Road, Doncaster, in January, with the prosecution saying both were “complicit” in his death.

Jurors were told Keigan suffered a brain bleed, possibly from having his head hit against a wall or the floor, and over the previous weeks had suffered a broken spine, broken ribs and a broken arm due to twisting.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that the couple had previously called Keigan derogatory names in messages to each other, referring to him as “wankstain” and “shithead”.

O’Brien had embarked on the relationship with Currie six months before Keigan’s death, despite warnings not to go out with him, the court heard.

In October, she did not seek medical help when her son suffered two black eyes while in the care of Currie, telling her friend the toddler had fallen down the stairs, jurors were told.

O’Brien explained to the friend she did not take him to hospital because “they will start asking questions”.

The couple both deny murder, alternative charges of causing or allowing the death of a child, and a further charge of child cruelty.

On the morning Keigan was fatally injured, he had been in the care of Currie while O’Brien was out of the house, the court heard.

The couple rang 999 at 10.55am after claiming to have found him not breathing in bed.

Jason Pitter QC, prosecuting, said Currie had searched the internet two hours earlier for terms relating to “irregular breathing”, “being unconscious” and “gurgling”.

One of the results, the prosecution said, was “agonal breathing”, which warned that emergency medical help should be sought immediately.

Mr Pitter said: “It was nearly two hours later that the emergency services were called.

“One explanation for that delay is that they knew full well that Keigan was struggling, they knew full well what had happened, they knew what was wrong with him.

“They anticipated there would be no obvious longer term consequences, they were wrong.”

Later examination found blood spatters on the wall by Keigan’s high chair, not from the time he was fatally injured, and on Currie’s clothes, the prosecution said.

The couple claimed Keigan was found unresponsive in bed, and did not explain how he had come by his injuries.

Mr Pitter said: “You can conclude they were covering for each other, knowing they were both responsible to a high degree.”

O’Brien and Currie got together in July 2019, and Mr Pitter told jurors: “You will hear evidence of her being warned against forming a relationship, of him not being any good for her – warnings she ignored.”

The trial continues.

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.