Alfie Phillips murder trial told toddler had injuries from head to toe

Alfie Phillips had 70 visible injuries but a post-mortem revealed more, jurors heard

A toddler who died after an alleged attack by his mother and former partner had injuries "literally from head to toe", jurors have been told.

Alfie Phillips died on 28 November 2020 with multiple bruises and fractures, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

His mother Sian Hedges and Jack Benham deny murdering the boy in Kent.

Consultant forensic pathologist Dr Virginia Fitzpatrick-Swallow said Alfie had 70 visible injuries but the post-mortem revealed many others.

Ms Hedges, 27, of Yelverton, Devon, and Mr Benham, 35, are accused of killing Alfie during lockdown in Benham's caravan in Hernhill, near Faversham.

The court heard Alfie had bruising to various parts of his body including the skull, ribcage and neck and several broken bones.

Dr Fitzpatrick-Swallow said they were "blunt force trauma injuries".

Asked if all the damage could have been caused during one impact, she replied: "No."

She said there was such a thing as "toddler bruises" when a toddler falls or bumps their head. However she added "that would not explain the totality of these injuries".

His mother Sian Hedges and Jack Benham deny murder

Jennifer Knight KC asked if the fractures would have been painful for an 18-month-old and Dr Fitzpatrick-Swallow replied: "Yes."

Asked if the injuries could have been accidental, she said no, and added: "There's evidence of significant and sustained assault.

"The injuries are literally from head to toe."

The trial continues.