Father jailed for murdering baby son

A man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for murdering his baby son nearly three years ago.

Ryan Leslie from Newtownabbey, Co Antrim was unanimously convicted of murdering and causing grievous bodily harm to his 14-year-old son Cameron Jay Leslie in September 2008.

Cameron died in a Belfast hospital after he suffered severe injuries to his body.

During the trial, evidence was given that showed the death was due to severe brain swelling that cut of the oxygen supply to Cameron’s brain.

Dr Peter Ingram, Deputy State Pathologist for Nothern Ireland, told the jury that he had found a number of bruises to both of Cameron’s arms, legs ,throat, chin and torso.

The doctor also discovered 14 rib fractures believed to be typical injuries related to child abuse.

Cameron had been in the care of his father for two days, following Leslie's split from Cameron’s mother Sheree Black, before being brought to the hospital where he eventually died.

Judge Mr Justice Ben Stephens told Leslie had shown no insight or remorse for his actions, describing him as a “dishonest and deeply manipulative individual”.