FAVERSHAM, KENT – A tragic case has resulted in life sentences for the mother and her former partner of an 18-month-old boy who suffered 70 injuries to his body. Alfie Phillips was beaten and smothered, resulting in a night of “violent discipline” that led to his untimely death. The mother, Sian Hedges, 27, and her ex-boyfriend Jack Benham, 35, were found guilty of the toddler’s murder in a caravan in Hernhill, near Faversham, Kent, on 28 November 2020.
During the trial, it was revealed that the pair had been drinking whisky and taking cocaine, with traces of the Class A drug found in Alfie’s body. The judge remarked that Alfie suffered “unimaginable pain” in the “frenzied attack”. Benham was jailed for a minimum term of 23 years while Hedges was given a minimum term of 19 years.
The court heard disturbing details about the couple’s actions leading up to Alfie’s death, including text messages encouraging harmful behavior towards the child. The prosecutor accused Benham of lying and revealed that both defendants were complicit in the “violent discipline” that led to the toddler’s death.
Alfie’s father, Sam Phillips, expressed relief at the sentencing, stating “They finally got what they deserved. We have got the justice in our hearts. Justice has been done.” He also shared that he may never know the full truth about what happened to his son.
The tragic case was described as “absolutely tragic” by Will Bodiam from CPS South East, emphasizing that Alfie was killed by the very people entrusted to care for him. The devastating injuries he sustained were a result of a series of assaults during the fateful night.