Couple sentenced for killing eight-month-old son

A former children's nursery assistant and her partner have been sentenced for killing their eight-month-old son.

Devaun Rose-Turner, who lived with his parents in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, died in December 2021 after suffering a "catalogue of injuries".

His father, Emmanuel Turner, 33, was jailed for 22 years after being found guilty of murder, while the child's mother, Shandies Rose, 29, was sentenced to 12 years after being convicted of manslaughter.

Sentencing the pair at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge Justice Farbey said: "You both knew about his pain. Both of you decided to keep it hidden so he received no medical help".

Bedfordshire Police described the case as complex and deeply challenging.

"Our thoughts will always remain with Devaun," said Det Insp Lee Martin, who led the investigation.

Devaun Rose-Turner suffered more than 80 separate injuries during the eight weeks leading up to his death, Luton Crown Court heard.

Emergency services were called to the family home after Turner reported his son was not breathing.

He was taken to hospital but died in December 2021.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of murder in 2022 then released under investigation as detectives continued to build their case.

In August 2022, officers learned Rose, who used to work at a nursery in London, and Turner had travelled to Nigeria despite the ongoing investigation.

They were eventually arrested by officers at the airport and charged when they returned to the UK in May last year.

Martin added: "From the outset, our focus was on establishing exactly what happened to Devaun and securing justice for him, with our team working tirelessly to ensure he was given a voice.

"Nothing can undo what happened to him, but today's sentence reflects the persistence of our officers in ensuring that those who should have cared and protected for him have been held accountable for the abuse he suffered."

Turner and Rose were also both convicted of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harm.

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