The "calculating" stepmother of three-year-old Harvey Borrington - who videoed the vulnerable boy in a state of collapse - has been jailed for 15 years after a jury convicted her of his manslaughter. Leila Borrington, 23, of Main Road, Jacksdale, denied any wrongdoing and said Harvey “fell backwards” off a leather armchair at home, causing a fatal brain bleed.
But Nottingham Crown Court heard on Thursday (March 16) that Borrington, who holds two qualifications in emergency first aid, delayed getting medical aid - instead filming him in a state of collapse - contacting emergency services after five minutes.
Little Harvey sustained fatal head injuries, including a fractured skull and a bleed on the brain, at Borrington's home in Main Road, Jacksdale, near Mansfield, on August 7, 2021. Harvey, who spent most weekends with Borrington, died in hospital on August 9 after paramedics were called to the address and found him 'deeply unconscious', 'unresponsive' and with 'abnormal body posture'.
Have you experienced problems with potholes on Nottinghamshire roads? Let us know in our poll here.
Rather than call 999, she then texted Harvey's father and said: 'Why does this happen to me?'
Jonas Hankin KC, prosecuting, said in court this morning: "She was calculating how she could escape responsibility for her actions while Harvey was fighting for his life". Borrington left Harvey unattended and "made no real attempt to assist Harvey".
A neighbour helped Harvey, who was autistic and non-verbal, and Borrington went on to give the ambulance crew a false history. "She lied to the paramedics in order to prioritise her interests over those of Harvey," said Mr Hankin.
And she wrongly laid blame on others in seeking to deflect responsibility she was seeking to blame another person. His mum told the court Harvey was her "beautiful little boy", and a treasured grandson to her parents who called him their "little man'.
Borrington was found guilty of his manslaughter in February, and cleared of Harvey's murder. Sentencing took place today where the 15-year term was handed down to Borrington over the killing.
Her solicitor-advocate, Emma Coverley, argued it was not accepted that Borrington was calculating what she could do as the next step or that the court can be sure that he was left unattended.
She was also sentenced for additional charges involving Harvey - including inflicting GBH after she fractured his arm. She was handed two years for this concurrently.
A third charge was for assault, causing bodily harm - where she squeezed his cheeks - was met with a six-month concurrent term.
The deadly injury was likely inflicted at her home in Main Road, Jacksdale, when she was caring for Harvey alone when his father was at work. Harvey was taken to King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-In-Ashfield and transferred to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre, where he died.
Describing the findings of a post-mortem examination, prosecutor Jonas Hankin KC had said at trial Harvey had suffered trauma to the head.
“That had caused damage to the brain itself and bleeding overlying the brain which, together, squashed and damaged the brain, ultimately causing his death.” Several medical experts and doctors, instructed by the prosecution, provided a “majority view” as to how the boy died.
Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, had said after the verdicts: “This was a tragic incident that shocked the local community. Harvey was a much-loved little boy who was cherished by his parents and his wider family.
“As a police officer I am pleased with the decision of the jury in this case, but I am acutely aware that it is of no consolation to those left behind. This has been a very lengthy and difficult investigation and I would like to thank everyone involved in getting us to this point.”
READ NEXT:
Face of 'devious' ex-PCSO Matthew Shaw who filmed children in changing rooms
Family's tribute to 'amazing' wife and mum killed in Rainworth e-scooter crash
Widower calls for law change after e-scooter rider who killed his wife avoids jail
Former Paper Lace guitarist's victim tells of being groomed with booze and cigarettes
Murder accused claims he was not trying to cause Michael Anton O'Connor harm
