Laura Castle jailed for at least 18 years for murder of Leiland-James Corkill

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker passed the sentence at Preston Crown Court today.

Castle, 38, was previously found guilty of murder and child cruelty by a jury. 

She was in the process of adopting the child when he died as a result of significant brain injuries.

During the trial she admitted she shook the one-year-old child at her home in Barrow on January 6 2021.

She pleaded guilty to manslaughter one the eve of the trial but had denied murder.

Following temporary foster care arrangements, Leiland-James was placed with Laura Castle and her partner in August 2020 as prospective adoptive parents. 

On the morning of the incident Castle called paramedics after she claimed Leiland-James had fallen from a sofa in their home at Eskdale Avenue. 

Leiland-James was transported to Furness General Hospital and later Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Leiland-James did not regain consciousness and died in hospital the next day. 

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Baker said: "Leiland-James was particularly vulnerable because of his very young age.

"There was physical and mental suffering beyond the shaking which caused his death, including slapping and pinching.

"There was a considerable abuse of trust in you - you lied about the physical chastisement. There is immesurable upset caused to Leiland-James' birth mother and foster mother.

"You tried to cover up what you had done rather than seeking to assist those providing medical assistance to Leiland-James."

Detective Superintendent Dave Pattinson, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "No child should ever have to experience the sustained abuse Leiland-James suffered. He was only 13 months old, and he was completely defenceless. 

“I hope the manner in which it this has been dealt with and the outcome, will reassure the public that the Constabulary will act robustly and bring those responsible for such abuse to justice.”