South Yorkshire detective proud of team for securing justice for tragic toddler

The officers were commended for their work to secure justice for Keigan O’Brien by the judge who jailed his mum and her partner over his death.

Keigan, aged two, died after was was attacked by his mum’s partner, Martin Currie, 36, after the tot disturbed him while he watched porn on his phone.

Currie was found guilty of murder and jailed for a minimum of 22 years.

Keigan’s mum, Sarah O’Brien, 33, was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of allowing or permitting the death of a child and child neglect.

Mrs Justice Jennifer Eady QC, who jailed the pair, awarded the officers involved in the case ‘Judicial Commendations’ for going above and beyond in their roles.

Detective Chief Inspector James Axe said: “The loss of any life, especially that of a child, is incredibly difficult.

“Keigan was only two, and his death occurred at the hands of the very people who should have loved and cared for him unconditionally.

“We all are human; some of us are parents – and the events that had played out in Keigan’s life became apparent during the investigation and they are extremely difficult to comprehend.

“Homicide investigations are extremely testing and detailed and with that comes a significant amount of pressure and dedication to uncover the evidence and establish the facts. That’s our purpose. However, the death of an innocent and helpless child is emotive and comes with a significant degree of sadness.

“Since January 2020, my team has worked tirelessly, fighting for the justice that Keigan and his family deserve.

“The sentencing hearing was the culmination of that hard work, but I have no doubt that Keigan’s death will long stay with us, as it will for those that knew him and loved him. Many people have been effected by Keigan’s death including the wider community in Doncaster.

“My team received a Judicial Commendation for their actions. They are dedicated, passionate and thoroughly deserve the recognition. I am extremely proud of them and their handling of this investigation.”