The staging of an inquest into the death of murdered baby Leiland-James Corkill has moved a step closer.
Leiland-James was taken into care at birth and, aged seven months, he was placed with Barrow couple Laura and Scott Castle. Five months later, soon after his first birthday, the tot died from catastrophic head injuries.
In May last year, Laura Castle was convicted by a jury of murdering Leiland-James. She was later handed a life prison sentence by Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, who ordered her to serve a minimum term of 18 years behind bars.
A jury at Preston Crown Court had heard a prosecutor allege that Laura Castle lost her temper with the baby when he would not stop crying after breakfast and violently shook him to death. In a letter to the trial judge, the baby’s birth mother, Laura Corkill, stated: “He was placed at the home of a monster.”
An investigation concluded that the baby might not have been placed with Laura Castle had agencies collaborated more comprehensively.
Plans are currently being put in place for a full inquest into Leiland-James’ death.
Those plans moved a step closer today when a pre-inquest review hearing took place at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court.
Over around 30 minutes, more details about evidence that will be aired and witness attendance was outlined by Dr Nicholas Shaw, assistant coroner for Cumbria.
Dr Shaw said two days would be set aside for the hearing, which will take place at Cockermouth. This would, he said, ensure there was sufficient time for everyone to speak, and to digest what they had heard.
He hoped interested parties would attend in person as oppose to remotely. It is envisaged that the inquest will be held either late this year or in early 2024. A coroner’s officer with liaise with all concerned when a date is identified.
Dr Shaw also concluded that a jury would not be required with a coroner instead hearing all evidence before formally documenting the inquest’s key issues: who Leiland-James was; where he died; when he died; how he died; and in what circumstances.
A pen portrait and poem would provided to cover the who, where and when, noted Dr Shaw.
There would also be a police detective’s statement giving a brief summary of the investigation process.
“I would propose to read into court the memorandum of conviction and sentencing comments of Judge Baker,” said Dr Shaw. He felt it would also be helpful to consider statements of a foster mother, several social workers and other professionals.
A statement was provided to today’s review hearing by a Barrow GP from the practice at which Leiland-James and the Castles were registered, in the wake of an initial adoption medical assessment. Systems had been scrutinised in a bid to make procedures more robust, it was stated, with action taken immediately.
A date for the full inquest hearing will be announced in due course.
- Scott Castle was found not guilty by jurors of a charge which alleged he caused or allowed the baby’s death.
