Man sentenced to life for murder of two-month-old baby in Gateshead

Karl Walker, 25, was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years in jail at Newcastle Crown Court for the murder of Logan Ormston.

His mother Courtney Ormston, 21, was found guilty of allowing the infant’s death and was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

The baby was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead with multiple injuries inlucing a severe head injury, on March 19 last year.

He was transferred to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary where he died the next day.

A Home Office post mortem established the cause of his death was a head injury.

The couple, who were living at Montrose Crescent, Gateshead, at the time were subsequently arrested.

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett, senior investigating officer, said: “Logan Ormston died because the people who should have been protecting him completely failed him.

"Instead of caring for him he suffered at their hands, and ultimately met his death.

“Our thoughts remain with Logan’s father and grandparents and the rest of his family who have lost him in such awful circumstances and we hope they are now able to attempt to move on with their lives.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in what has been a harrowing investigation for their commitment to ensuring those responsible were brought to justice.”

Logan’s dad, Mickey Rathbone, said: “Logan’s death has affected me badly.

“I put my trust in these people to look after my son and this happened, it’s left me feeling angry and disappointed.

“This shouldn’t have to happen to anybody, no-one should have to go through this.

“It’s been hard to cope. I find it hard to go out and see friends, especially those who’ve got children, as I miss Logan so much and can’t believe he’s gone.

“I want to go back to work but haven't been able to as it's too upsetting.”

Walker, of Durham Road, Gateshead, had denied murder, while Ormston, of Condercum Road, Newcastle, denied causing or allowing the death of a child.