Workington parents jailed for death of baby Dallas Kelly

Reece Kelly must serve a minimum of 18 years

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his four-month-old son.

Reece Kelly, 31, from Workington, was found guilty of murder and child cruelty after Dallas Kelly died in October 2021.

Dallas' mother Georgia Wright, 23, was jailed for three years for child cruelty at Carlisle Crown Court.

The court heard how the pair prioritised their drug-taking instead of their son.

• Father guilty of murdering four-month-old son

The police investigation found that Reece Kelly had caused Dallas's injuries by shaking him with significant force.

One medical expert likened Dallas's injuries to those caused by a fall from a multi-storey building or a fatal road traffic collision.

Det Supt Jenny Beattie, who led the investigation, said: "Reece Kelly was described by his own partner as a monster and I can't think of any other way to describe him.

"Both had numerous opportunities to take responsibility for what they had done. However, right until the end they have both continued to act in a selfish manner."

Detectives found evidence of both parents acting in a cruel and neglectful manner

'Lack of basic care'

A trial was held at Carlisle Crown Court after both Reece Kelly and Georgia Wright, also from Workington, denied any wrongdoing or involvement.

On the first day of the trial, nearly two years after Dallas died, Reece Kelly admitted manslaughter.

Police say the pair had failed to take Dallas to medical appointments, failed to provide adequate parental supervision and exposed him to harmful substances.

Cannabis grinders, pipes and prescription-only medication were found in the family's home

Senior crown prosecutor Victoria Agulló said: "Both his parents let him down badly. Their chaotic, drug-filled lifestyle and lack of basic care [are] staggering.

"This is a case that will stay with me."