Murdered toddler, 2, found with broken spine, ribs and arm was ‘appallingly let down’

The charity said two-year-old Keigan O’Brien was ‘appallingly let down by those who were supposed to love and cherish him’.

The youngster was found critically injured in his home in Bosworth Road, Adwick, in January and died from head injuries at Sheffield Children’s Hospital the following day.

Tragic Keigan died as a result of violence at the hands of his mum’s partner, Martin Currie, 36, who was today found guilty of murder after a four week trial.

Jason Pitter QC, prosecuting, told Sheffield Crown Court Keigan suffered a brain bleed, possibly from having his head hit against a wall or the floor, and in the weeked before he died he had suffered a broken spine, broken ribs and a broken arm due to twisting.

Currie was also found guilty of cruelty to a child between July, 2019 and January, 2020 by willfull ill-treatment or neglect causing unnecessary suffering or death.

Keigan’s mum, Sarah O’Brien was acquitted of murder but found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, and cruelty to a child between July, 2019, and January, 2020, by willfull ill-treatment or neglect causing unnecessary suffering or death.

The pair, who denied all charges against them, are to be sentenced later this week.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Babies and young children rely entirely on the adults around them to protect them from harm – but in this tragic case, little Keigan was appallingly let down by those who were supposed to love and cherish him, sadly with fatal consequences.

“We all have a duty to look out for children’s welfare – and to speak out if there are any concerns.”

O'Brien and Currie embarked on the relationship with each other six months before Keigan’s death and he moved into Keigan’s family home soon after.

Adults concerned about the welfare of a child should call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8000 5000.

If a child is in immediate danger, dial 999 immediately.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.