Woman sentenced to 17 years for killing toddler
A woman has been sentenced to 17 years for killing an 18-month-old toddler left alone in her care.
Shannon Driver was jailed for 12 years and ordered to serve five years on extended licence for the manslaughter of Jaxon Syrett.
Driver, 27, of North Road, in Bexhill, was told that she had been formally found to be “dangerous” when she was sentenced at Hove Crow Court today (Friday 28 June).
Jaxon died after suffering extensive head and chest injuries that were more consistent with a high-speed car crash, the court was told.
Driver was sentenced by a High Court judge, Dame Justine Thornton, known as Mrs Justice Thornton, having been convicted by a jury at Hove.
The court was told that Jaxon died in hospital on Thursday 24 September 2020, having being admitted almost a week earlier with significant injuries.
Driver called 999 on the afternoon of Friday 18 September, saying that Jaxon had been seriously injured after slipping in the shower while with her at a property in London Road, Bexhill.
The toddler was taken to hospital for treatment but, despite the best efforts of hospital staff, he never recovered from his injuries and was confirmed dead on Thursday 24 September.
Driver had been looking after him while his father Kieran Irvin was at work but hadn’t wanted to – and was not supposed to be left alone with children.
Her childhood had been “brutal and bleak”, the judge said, and in turn she had a record of violent offending against children and adults.
Mrs Justice Thornton, who was also the trial judge, said: “Only you know precisely what happened to cause Jaxon’s injuries while he was left alone with you.”
After her conviction, Jaxon’s family issued a statement, saying: “The tragic loss of Jaxon has changed our lives forever.
“We will never see Jaxon’s cheeky smile again, nor hear his infectious laugh and will miss every milestone Jaxon had to reach.
“Jaxon had his whole life ahead of him. We as a family hold and cherish every memory we have of Jaxon.
“We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with this investigation and in getting a conviction and some kind of justice for our baby.
“The support we’ve been given in such devastating circumstances has been so appreciated.”
The judge commended the family and Sussex Police investigator Dick Hemmings who said: “No jail sentence can make up for the unimaginable loss felt by Jaxon’s family and our thoughts remain with them as they have done throughout this investigation.
“I would like to thank them once again for the resilience they have shown in supporting this investigation, which was delayed multiple times during the court process.
“Shannon Driver has now faced justice for her crime. I hope this resolution allows Jaxon’s family the time, space and privacy to come to terms with their tragic loss.”
