Toddler's parents cleared of murder

TRAGEDY: Levi-Blu Cassin died last year. He was just 21-months-old

A COUPLE accused of killing their young son were this week cleared of murder, but found guilty of causing or allowing his death.
Danielle Cassin, 27, of Frensham Close, Chelmsley Wood, and Mark Piper, 31, of no fixed abode, were convicted yesterday (Friday) following a four week trial.
Their son, 21-month-old Levi-Blu Cassin, had died at an address in Nightingale Avenue, Smith’s Wood after suffering “catastrophic” internal injuries.
In the early hours of February 20 last year, Danielle had dialled 999 and told emergency services her son had stopped breathing. Paramedics arrived at the flat but could do nothing to save the little boy.
A post mortem found that Levi-Blu had suffered severe abdominal injuries and a police investigation was launched. His parents had given conflicting accounts of the hours leading up to their son’s death, but both denied knowing how he had been injured.
Jurors took less than a day to return their verdict, clearing the pair of murder and manslaughter charges but concluding that they had caused or allowed their son’s death.

AWAITING SENTENCE: Mark Piper and Danielle Cassin

Insp Bob Sutton, from West Midlands Police, said: “The death of any young child is a tragedy and Levi-Blu lived for just 21 months.
“He should have had a full life ahead of him but this was taken away by parents who failed to provide the necessary care or a safe environment, finally subjecting him to a violent attack and ultimately failing to seek medical attention.
“Throughout the investigation and trial they have continued to conceal the truth and evidence gathered over 18 months by a dedicated team of investigators has led to a successful prosecution.
“As parents they were in a unique position of trust and care, they did not meet their responsibilities. There remains great sadness; it is small consolation that justice has now been done in regard to Levi-Blu.”
The NSPCC said it had been an “extremely distressing” case.
Sandra Mcnair, head of the charity’s regional branch, said: “We may never know the full story of what happened to Levi-Blu.
“However, we do know that he lived in a home where domestic violence and drug use was common place.
“The family was known to local agencies, so it is vital that questions are asked as to whether more could have been done to keep him safe from harm.”
The pair will be sentenced on Monday (December 22), while a report into the case is expected to be published by the Solihull Local Safeguarding Children Board in the spring.