Joint review underway into case of murdered Doncaster toddler Keigan O'Brien, council confirms

The case of a South Yorkshire toddler who was severely beaten and killed by his step-father is being reviewed by authorities to see if his death had been preventable.
By Susie Beever
Published 12th Nov 2020, 14:04 BST
Updated 12th Nov 2020, 14:06 BST
Picture of Keigan O'Brien, issued by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of Keigan's familyPicture of Keigan O'Brien, issued by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of Keigan's family
Picture of Keigan O'Brien, issued by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of Keigan's family

Keigan O'Brien was murdered by his mother's partner Martin Currie at home in Adwick-le-Street, Doncaster, just two days after his second birthday in January this year.

Currie, 36, and Keigan's mother Sarah O'Brien were both sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday for the horrific neglect, cruelty and ultimately death he suffered at their hands.

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The court heard O'Brien had gone out on the morning of January 8, leaving Keigan in the care of violent heroin addict Currie, who lashed out at the toddler and threw him against a hard surface before waiting two hours to call for help.

Martin Currie and Sarah O'BrienMartin Currie and Sarah O'Brien
Martin Currie and Sarah O'Brien

During the course of a five-week trial, the court heard Keigan had been hospitalised at the end of 2019 with fractures to his ribs and spine which, the court concluded, could only have been sustained by a blow such as stamping or kneeling on his chest.

Currie was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 22 years yesterday, and was told by a judge he "may never be released" from prison after he was found guilty on Tuesday of murder and child cruelty.

O'Brien, 33, was jailed for eight years for allowing Keigan's murder.

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Following the sentencing, a brief statement from Doncaster Council confirmed officials were reviewing the case which it described as "deeply sad and distressing".

Riana Nelson, Director of Learning, Opportunities and Skills at the council, said: “This is a deeply sad and distressing case and our thoughts are with Keigan’s family and those who loved him.

“A partnership review is currently underway and all the findings will be published in due course.

"All partners are committed to fully understanding the circumstances around this tragic event and once the full Review has been published we will be able to provide further detailed comment."

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