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Guilty: Boleyn and Taylor Child Murderers of Ryan Lovell-Hancox

by Paul Conneally | March 27, 2010 at 01:28 am

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A couple who systematically tortured and killed a three-year-old child, Ryan Lovell-Hancox, have been found guilty of murder at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Policemen are said to have wept as the horrific injuries to the toddler and the facts around his weeks of abuse at the hands of Kayley Boleyn and Christopher Taylor came to light. Tragic Ryan died on Christmas Eve 2008 and the trial was told he had at least 54 bruises on his head, face, buttocks and limbs. The jury were told that his facial and eye injuries were similar to those sustained in a head-on car crash.

The pair will return to court later this year for sentancing and can expect life terms.

This is just the latest in a series of child abuse and infant murder cases across the UK including Khyra Ishaq, Baby Peter, Amy Howson and Alfie Goddard. The cases have also caused public concern over the ability of Social Services and Social Workers to protect children at risk.

Det Insp Graeme Squire, who led the investigation, said: "The severity of those injuries - especially the ones to the face and head - is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. They are undoubtedly two very cruel individuals. It has always been our case that they were jointly responsible for Ryan's death.