Doncaster child killer watched porn before attacking tragic tot then contacted drug dealer

A Doncaster child killer jailed for life yesterday for murdering a toddler watched porn before attacking the tragic tot.
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Martin Currie, aged 36, then made contact with his drug dealer after the attack, while his victim – two-year-old Keigan O’Brien – lay dying.

Currie was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years behind bars for killing Keigan.

Martin Currie and Sarah O'BrienMartin Currie and Sarah O'Brien
Martin Currie and Sarah O'Brien
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Sentencing him, Mrs Justice Eady QC said the fatal attack was ‘apparently triggered by a fit of temper’ at Currie being disturbed by Keigan as he ‘lay in bed looking at porn’ on his phone.

Analysis of the heroin addict’s mobile phone usage revealed that Currie had also been looking at gambling sites and had contacted his drug dealer that morning.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that Currie struck while Keigan’s mum was taking her other children to school.

When she returned to their home on Bosworth Road, Adwick, Keigan was unresponsive but an ambulance as not called by the pair for two hours.

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Jurors heard how the tragic tot died from a brain bleed, which could have resulted from his head being hit against a hard surface.

In the weeks before his death, Keigan also endured a broken spine, broken ribs and a broken arm due to twisting.

O’Brien was jailed for eight years for allowing the death of a child and child cruelty.

Jill Brookes, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Tragically, little Keigan O’Brien’s life came to an end only four days after his second birthday.

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“He was killed in his own home – the place where he should have been safest from harm.

“Having heard all the evidence, the jury decided that Currie inflicted fatal injuries on the defenceless little boy, and O’Brien took no steps to protect her child.

"They both then lied about what had happened. Currie is now beginning a life sentence and O’Brien has been sentenced to eight years.

“The desperately sad and shocking outcome of this case is that Keigan’s life ended before it had barely begun.

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“Our thoughts remain with the rest of Keigan’s family, as they have been throughout.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.