Young mum whose 17-month old baby was battered to death by her boyfriend is locked up for child cruelty
Sick Chloe Thomas given 20 months for covering up partner's crime
A YOUNG mum whose boyfriend murdered her 17-month-old son was jailed today because she lied by saying the tot had simply fallen down stairs.
Chloe Thomas, 25, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for cruelty to her young son Finley who suffered "catastrophic" injuries after being battered with a garden chair.
Thomas was "obsessed and infatuated" with brutal boyfriend Sean Buckley, 28, despite his beating the toddler.
Thomas claimed the little boy had fallen down the stairs when paramedics were called to their home - and Buckley later claimed the dog knocked him down.
The 999 crew found Finley unconscious on the living room floor and he later died from brain injuries in hospital.
Little Finley was found to have both cocaine and cannabis in his body when he died.
Doctors found 23 broken ribs, bruising, and complex head injuries which "a baby should not have" - some of which were caused by a garden chair.
Buckley, who had been dating Thomas for seven months, killed the youngster by striking him with the collapsible white chair while his mum was out collecting washing.
He was jailed for 17 years last month at Cardiff Crown Court.
Prosecutor Roger Thomas told the court how the couple spun "wicked and deliberate" lies to hide the physical abuse the baby had suffered.
Mr Thomas said: "The catastrophic injuries which resulted in his death were not from a simple fall but rather from a deliberate and abusive act by Buckley that had a devastating effect.
"Evidence shows Finley was subject to repeated assaults before he died."
At her sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, prosecutor Mr Thomas said Finley was a "vulnerable victim", and his mother had deliberately ignored his suffering.
He added: "It was an abuse of the position of trust and there was a failure to seek medical help.
"She was aware Finley was unwell and sought to close her eyes to what was taking place."
The court heard a pre-sentence report described Thomas as "posing a high risk to any child in her care".
Sally Howse, defending, questioned Thomas' "intellectual capacity" to cover up her toddler's abuse, but admitted the little boy had not been properly cared for.
Ms Howse said: "It's clear that funds which should have been spent on that little boy were not spent on him but on drugs."
She added: "She has delayed grief reaction. Her attitude to Sean Buckley is still uncertain."
Caging her for 20 months today, Mrs Justice Frances Patterson said: "The victim was your own son. He was only 17 months old when he was murdered by your partner.
"Drugs were found in his hair and in his system. He suffered appalling injuries.
"You had a duty to protect your son and have failed to do so.
"You were the closest to him but stood by and did nothing until it was too late.
"It was in his own home that Finley should have been safe. You still refuse to recognise the gravity of what Buckley did to your son, and it's said you are still unsure what your intentions are with him.
"You fail to comprehend the importance of seeking medical assistance for your son and I note you said you would do nothing differently.
"You have been inadequate in your role as a mother. You are dangerous."
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