Alfie Phillips died tragically after his mother and friend were brutally assaulted. This led to the incarceration of both.
What happened to baby Alfie Phillips
Alfie Phillips died tragically on November 28, 2020 after an attack brutally committed by his mother Sian Hedges and her ex-lover, Jack Benham. Both were drunk and under the influence cocaine and alcohol when they subjected Alfie, in the Kent caravan, to an hour-long violent punishment. Alfie suffered over 70 injuries, including broken ribs, legs and arms. He also had cocaine traces in his body.
On January 12, 2024, the sentencing took place. Both Hedges and Benham were sentenced to life in prison. Hedges was sentenced to at least 19 years of prison while Benham received a maximum 23 years. Judge Cavanagh described the incident as “cruel” and “violent”, and he also criticised the defendants who tried to cover up the assault. The Phillips family, especially Alfie’s father Sam, spoke of their pain and the impact the incident had on their lives.
Justice For Alfie: Court Verdict and Sentence
The jury returned a guilty verdict in 10 hours after a 10-week trial. Hedges, Benham and their lawyer were insistent that Alfie had not been abused. However, the evidence presented in court painted a harrowing picture of what Alfie endured. Hedges, Benham and the jury were all sentenced to prison by Judge Cavanagh. Justice Cavanagh criticized the defendants for their attempts to conceal the fact of the attack and their selfishness.
Sam Phillips expressed his pain at not knowing the complete story of Alfie’s final days and that he missed the chance to watch Alfie become a young man. Both received life sentences in prison, bringing closure to the sad trial.