S11E07 | The Murder of Teddy Tilston (Birkenhead, Merseyside, 2017)

In this episode, I tell the story of Teddy Tilston, a 2-year-old boy killed in Birkenhead, Merseyside, on March 1, 2017.

Teddy was being cared for by 28-year-old Craig Smith, his mum's partner, when the emergency services were called that afternoon. Smith claimed Teddy had drowned in the bath after being left for just 30 seconds, but the paramedics attending the scene noticed that he was bone dry.

Teddy's twin sister, Cassidy, was already at Arrowe Park Hospital after Smith informed their mum, Ashleigh Willett, that she'd knocked herself unconscious after running into a table. When examined, it was revealed Cassidy had several other injuries, including a broken wrist she may have received up to six months earlier.

A jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Smith guilty of murder in November 2017, and he was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. Willett was found guilty of failing to seek medical assistance for her twin children and received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

**The following is NOT a sponsored message**

If you or someone you know has experienced child abuse or are concerned that someone you know is, please consider contacting one of the following charities:

Childline: 0800 1111

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC): 0808 800 5000

Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA): Fill in a contact form at havoca.org

National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): 0808 801 0331

For all things British Murders, please visit my website:⁣

britishmurders.com⁣

Intro music:⁣

David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣

linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣

References:⁣

britishmurders.com/teddytilston

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