Inquest into death of Barrow baby begins
Leiland-James Corkill was murdered in 2021
Last updated 29th Apr 2024
A two-day inquest begins today into the death of Leiland-James Corkill.
He was killed just 5 months after going into the care of Laura Castle from Barrow, who had hoped to adopt him in 2021.
She had maintained the death was a tragic accident before the start of her trial, but changed her plea to manslaughter.
Castle was convicted of Leiland-James' murder and jailed for a minimum of 18 years.
During her trial, it was heard how the 38-year-old had beaten and slapped the boy before fatally shaking him and banging his head against a hard surface.
A man was cleared of all charges.
Ms Castle had been selected by an adoption panel following an application process overseen by Cumbria Children's Services Department, the court heard.
In November 2020 concerns were raised that she had said during a home visit that she did not love Leiland-James and was struggling to bond with him.
The possibility of removing the youngster from their care was later discussed , she said her extended family loved him so he was "not going anywhere".
At the time of the court case an NSPCC spokesperson said:
"This is a profoundly sad case. Leiland-James had been placed with Laura Castle so he could be cared for and nurtured. But rather than a place of refuge, his new home became a place of danger, with Castle’s violence against him resulting in tragic consequences.
"Castle has now faced justice but nothing can undo what she did. However, it is vital that all agencies involved in Leiland-James’ short life wholly take onboard any learnings concluded by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review.
The inquest will be looking into what happened - and will last for two days at Cumbria coroners court.