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Craig Smith sentenced to
life imprisonment for murder of a 2 year old boy in Wirral
CRAIG Smith, 28, has been sentenced to
life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years for the murder of Teddy Tilston and
the assault of his twin sister Cassidy. A 2 year old boy, Teddy Tilston was
found lifeless in the family home in Woodville Road, Birkenhead, on 1 March
2017. He was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital by Paramedics, but was pronounced
dead a short time later. At the time of his death his twin sister Cassidy was
also being treated in Hospital for a head injury consistent with an assault.
Craig Smith was found guilty of the murder of Teddy and the assault of Cassidy
at Liverpool Crown Court. The children's mother, Ashleigh Willett, 25, who
was charged with 2 counts of child neglect towards Teddy and Cassidy, was also
found guilty. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Denn, said:- "The death of 2
year old Teddy Tilston was a senseless tragedy. Craig Smith, as the partner of
Teddy's mum, was the man given the responsibility of looking after Teddy and his
twin sister Cassidy which makes this whole situation even more shocking. Craig
Smith was not previously known to Police for incidents of violence, but Teddy
and Cassidy never stood a chance against his acts of aggression resulting in the
tragic death of Teddy. The past 7 months have been incredibly distressing for
those who were close to the children, for the Officers who carried out the
investigation and the Emergency Services and Hospital staff. What has made this
whole situation worse is that Smith continued to plead his innocence throughout,
forcing all those involved to give evidence at a lengthy trial. I would like to
take this opportunity to thank the professionalism and dignity of the Police
Officers, Emergency Services and staff at Arrowe Park Hospital who dealt with
this case."
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