Alfie Phillips murder: Toddler's father says killers are monsters

Alfie Phillips died with more than 70 visible wounds including multiple bruises and fractures

The father of an 18-month-old boy who was killed by his mother and her partner has called the pair "monsters".

Alfie Phillips was found dead with more than 70 visible wounds and traces of cocaine in his body in a caravan in Hernhill, Kent, in November 2020.

His mother Sian Hedges, 27, and her former boyfriend Jack Benham, 35, were found guilty on Thursday at Maidstone Crown Court of murdering the toddler.

Sam Phillips said he had "no suspicions" about his son's welfare.

He said in the days leading up to the murder "Alfie was just being his happy self, doing his normal thing - just being Alfie".

The court heard that Alfie died with injuries including fractures to his ribs, arms and leg, signs of smothering to his lips and mouth, and traces of cocaine in his body.

Sarah Merritt and Sam Phillips, Alfie's father, had no suspicions about Alfie's welfare

Mr Phillips said: "Words cannot describe what we heard in that court room. It wasn't nice.

"I feel hatred because they're not nice people. They tortured a young baby.

"Monsters. That's what they are. They're monsters."

Speaking of his 18-month old son Mr Phillips, who lives in Chatham, Kent, described Alfie as "a sweet kid. Lovely. As good as gold.

"He was a great little boy. Just a cheeky little chap."

Mr Phillips said the court case had "put a lot of pressure on his family" and that "it had been hard".

He said: "It is a bit of a relief that we have now got justice for that little boy.

"I feel a lot of weight is now off my shoulders. It's the best outcome possible."

Jack Benham (left) and Sian Hedges face life sentences for the murder of 18-month-old Alfie Phillips

Describing how difficult life was without his son, Mr Phillips said: "It's heartbreaking. They've taken a little boy who is never going to get to see Christmas.

"We light candles for him and keep him in our minds. We think about the happy times."

Sarah Merritt, Mr Phillips' fiancée, said: "You wouldn't think anyone could do that to a child, let alone do it to your own child."

"It is horrendous. Absolutely awful."

Sian Hedges and Jack Benham will be sentenced on 19 December.

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