Coventry man who killed his three-month-old nephew is jailed for nine years - The Coventry Observer

Coventry man who killed his three-month-old nephew is jailed for nine years

Coventry Editorial 14th Dec, 2021   0

A COVENTRY man has been convicted of killing his baby nephew has been jailed for nine years.

James Scott will serve a minimum of six years which includes 236 days he has spent on remand.

Arlo Breslin was just three months old when he died after sustaining a catastrophic head injury in June 2018 while he was in Scott’s care.

Scott’s sister was taking her three older children to school and Arlo’s dad was at work.




When she got back from the school run, around an hour later, Scott was screaming her name and holding Arlo in his arms. The baby was not moving and an ambulance was called.

Arlo was rushed to hospital in cardiac arrest but despite the best efforts of the medical team died two days later at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.


A post-mortem found Arlo’s injury had been caused by non-accidental shaking.

Scott was arrested and, following an extensive and complex investigation, was charged with murder.

Throughout the investigation and trial Scott denied shaking his nephew or causing the injuries.

He claimed the baby had been sleeping but found him convulsing and having a fit when he checked on him.

The jury at Warwick Crown Court found Scott, of Church Road, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

Paying tribute to Arlo, his family said: “Our special baby boy, our warrior.

“Arlo is our miracle baby who we love very, very much. We will never ever forget you sweetheart.

“Sleep tight our angel. Keep shining down on us all.”

Det Insp Michelle Allen said: “Little Arlo was a healthy and happy baby who was dearly loved by his parents and family who have been left utterly heartbroken from this tragedy.

“This has been a tremendously sad case for us to investigate and has had a profound effect on the family.”

She added no parent ever expected to lose a child, particularly at the hands of another person – especially a trusted family member.

“I hope the verdict provides them with some comfort and allows them to start coming to terms with their loss, our thoughts remain with them.”

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