Evil killer, 34, caged for 13 years for 'appalling' murder of girlfriend's baby son | The Sun
A MAN who battered his girlfriend's baby son to death has been told he will have to serve at least 13 years of his life sentence in jail.
The grieving family of Hunter Patrick McGleenan sat in silence at Newry Crown Court as Sharyar Ali, 34, was handed the minimum tariff for murdering his 11-month-old innocent victim.
Ali sat in the dock showing little emotion or reaction as Mr Justice McFarland told the defendant: “It’s clear that for whatever reason, you did lose control in an extreme loss of temper which resulted in the assault on Hunter which resulted in his death.”
The toddler's mother Nicole and other relatives sat just a few feet away in the public gallery.
Hunter died in Keady, Co Armagh on November 26 2019 having sustained significant injuries to his head and abdomen while in the care of Ali.
At no stage did Ali try to get him medical help or assistance, the court had heard.
Ali, with an address at Westerna Terrace in Monaghan, was due to go on trial six months ago but with a jury sworn in and prepared to hear six weeks of evidence, he had an 11th hour change of heart and pleaded guilty in April.
The court heard today how Hunter had sustained 19 separate sites of injury to his head and body with the assistant state pathologist determining the cause of the “much loved, happy and affectionate” infant’s death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Tragic Hunter's aunt Coleen McGleenon said the "monster" who took the tot's life gets to live on, while Hunter's family struggle through their grief.
She said: "On behalf of our family I would like to thank each and every one of the team that worked tirelessly on baby Hunter’s case.
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"This monster who murdered a defenceless baby will, at some point, get to go on to live his life whilst we will continue to grieve and struggle with ours.
"No amount of time will make up for what our family have lost – not being able to see baby Hunter take his first steps, say his first words, celebrate his first birthday, or grow and develop in life.
"We have been robbed of life's precious gift. That monster has taken everything from us. We love and miss you Hunter, more than any words could say.
"We will be holding a candlelight vigil for baby Hunter at 7pm on November 26 outside the Tommy Makem Centre in Keady.
"Anyone who wishes to pay their respects are welcome to come."
TOT LEFT IN CAR
Police welcomed the sentencing after the "appalling" murder and "distressing" case.
Detective Inspector Mark Gibson said: "First and foremost, my thoughts today are with Hunter’s loving mother and family, who have suffered terribly.
"This is a loss that no one – no parent – should ever have to endure.
"Mr Ali, who was in a relationship with Hunter's mother, had been entrusted to look after the baby while she went to visit a sick relative. It was then that he inflicted serious injuries.
"He originally claimed the little one had sustained head injuries from a fall, but he subsequently admitted to murder.
"Evidence gathered, which includes CCTV footage, shows Mr Ali driving from Keady to a casino in Castleblaney, where he remains for almost two and a half hours, leaving baby Hunter outside in the car, alone that cold November evening."
FAMILY'S SORROW LASTS LIFETIME
Det Insp Gibson continued: "It’s later that night, however, having returned to the house in Keady, that Hunter’s young life is taken.
"He dies from serious injuries. Injuries inflicted by Sharyar Ali – the very person who should have been caring for and protecting him.
He added: "It’s been an extremely distressing case, and I’m grateful to my officers for their dedication and sensitivity from the beginning of the investigation right through to today’s sentencing.
"We have also worked closely with the Public Prosecution Service to bring Mr Ali to justice.
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"Unfortunately, I’m acutely aware that the family’s deep sorrow doesn’t end today – it will last a lifetime. And my thoughts remain with them.
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to investigating all reports of abuse against children and young people. If you’re concerned about a child’s welfare, please contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999."
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