The tragic case of Ollie Davis, a month-old baby who died after suffering a “snapped neck”, has shocked the nation. Ollie was found lifeless in his crib in Leicester in October 2017, with numerous injuries including more than 20 broken ribs, fractures to his skull, collar bone, both arms, and the joints of all his limbs. His father, Michael Davis, was convicted of his murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 22 years.
The Sentence
The judge described the murder as a “devastating” fatal spinal injury, comparable to injuries seen in a “high energy car crash”. Davis was said to have inflicted the injuries during four overnight “episodes” of violence, showing “callous indifference” to Ollie’s suffering by not seeking medical help. The judge condemned the brutal attacks, particularly the fatal neck injury, and pointed out Davis’s frustration and anger as the catalysts for the violence.
Ollie’s mother, Kayleigh Driver, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child and causing or allowing serious physical injury. She was sentenced to seven years in prison. The judge highlighted that she must have heard Ollie’s cries after he was assaulted, implicating her in the abuse due to her presence in the bedroom during the attacks.
Evidence of Abuse
Prosecutor John Hankin KC revealed the extent of Ollie’s injuries, with a total of 37 fractures including fractures to the skull, collar bone, both arms, 23 rib fractures, and fractures to the joints of all four limbs. The medical investigation also uncovered brain injuries, indicating sustained abuse over the last 10 days of Ollie’s life. Davis could not explain the injuries, claiming to have been shocked and unaware of the extent of his son’s suffering.
Following the guilty verdicts, Ollie’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as their “little ray of sunshine”. The void left by his absence was evident in their heartfelt statement, expressing their enduring love for him and the pain of his loss. Ollie’s memory will always be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
The heinous crime committed against Ollie Davis serves as a stark reminder of the brutality that exists in our society. The lack of humanity and compassion displayed by those responsible for his death is unfathomable. While justice has been served with the convictions and sentences handed down to the perpetrators, the scars of this tragedy will forever remain. May Ollie rest in peace, knowing that he was loved and cherished by those who truly cared for him.
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