Family pay tribute to ‘beautiful’ boy, 2, killed by evil boyfriend two days after second birthday

The family of a “beautiful” Doncaster two-year-old boy who was murdered by his mother’s partner have described him as “always smiling and full of fun” and said he will be missed every day.
By Lloyd Bent
Published 11th Nov 2020, 18:49 BST
Updated 12th Nov 2020, 06:59 BST
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Keigan O’Brien suffered a catastrophic head injury when he was assaulted by Martin Currie at his home in Adwick le Street, in Doncaster, after months of extreme acts of violent abuse. Currie was jailed for life today.

Keigan’s mother, Sarah O’Brien, was jailed for eight years at Sheffield Crown Court after being found guilty of allowing Keigan’s death.

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A victim impact statement written on behalf of the family by O’Brien’s brother, Michael O’Brien, was read to the court.

Pictured is toddler Keigan O'Brien, of Doncaster, who died of head injuries in January when he was just two-years-old.Pictured is toddler Keigan O'Brien, of Doncaster, who died of head injuries in January when he was just two-years-old.
Pictured is toddler Keigan O'Brien, of Doncaster, who died of head injuries in January when he was just two-years-old.

Child-killer jailed for life after murdering "beautiful and adorable" Doncaster toddler Keigan O’Brien

Mr O’Brien said: “Everyone who knew him, loved him. I would described Keigan as cheeky, always up to mischief, always smiling and full of fun.”

He added: “We have lost a beautiful, adorable, cheeky little boy.

“He is, and always will be, loved and missed every day.”

Mr O’Brien said his sister would “never forgive herself for what had happened”.

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Passing sentence on Currie and O’Brien, Mrs Justice Eady said: “Keigan was a beautiful little boy.

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“Witnesses spoke of him as a happy and affectionate child and his grandmother described him as a ‘cuddly little baby’ who enjoyed ‘cuddles and hugs’.”

She added: “I am mindful of the utter tragedy Keigan’s death represents for his family.

“No sentence I pass today can bring Keigan back or mitigate the sentence already imposed on those other family members.”

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In a statement made following the verdicts on Tuesday, Keigan’s father Ricky Gray said: “Keigan was such a special little boy. He was loveable, playful, energetic and full of fun.

“He will always have a place in our hearts and will be missed terribly. He will never be forgotten and we are truly heartbroken.”

Detective Chief Inspector James Axe, of South Yorkshire Police, offered his condolences to the family and said: “This trial has been incredibly hard for Keigan’s family and I would like to thank them for their support in assisting our investigation.”

He continued: “The only two people responsible for Keigan’s death are O’Brien and Currie, two people who should have loved and cared for him.

“In fact, they should have been the very people who protected little Keigan above all else.”