By James Simons-
A father has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the manslaughter of his own six-month-old son, Kairo Hollick.
David Hollick, 29,(pictured) was found guilty of subjecting Kairo to severe skull fractures and brain injuries, leading to his tragic death at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on February 12, 2020.
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, jurors heard chilling details of the injuries inflicted upon young Kairo. Despite Hollick’s claims of a fall, medical experts testified that Kairo’s injuries were consistent with a violent assault rather than an accident.
Prosecutor David Mason KC revealed the horrifying truth that Kairo had suffered not just from shaking but also from being repeatedly struck on the head with a hard object.
The court also heard from Kairo’s devastated mother, Adina Johnson, who spoke of the enduring nightmare since her son’s passing. Johnson described Kairo as a “dream baby” and lamented the irreplaceable loss felt by the family.
She accused Hollick of prolonging their suffering by denying his involvement and attempting to manipulate the jury with false narratives.
The tragedy unfolded over a fateful weekend when Johnson entrusted Kairo to Hollick’s care. Despite having a cold, there were no alarming signs about Kairo’s health. However, what was meant to be a routine visit turned into a nightmare, forever altering the lives of everyone involved.
Kairo Hollick, whose father David Hollick has been jailed for 15 years (West Midlands Police/PA
The haunting question lingers: what could have driven a parent to commit such unspeakable acts against their own flesh and blood?
For the family of Kairo Hollick, justice may offer a semblance of closure, but the scars of this tragedy will endure for a lifetime.
Mr. Justice Dove, presiding over the case, did not mince words as he delivered the sentence. He condemned Hollick’s actions as a “grotesque breach of trust,” highlighting the vulnerability of the innocent child and the betrayal of parental duty.
Justice Dove emphasized the sheer brutality of the crime, noting that Kairo’s joyful demeanor, captured in videos shortly before his death, contrasted sharply with the horrors inflicted upon him.
The court also heard from Kairo’s devastated mother, Adina Johnson, who spoke of the enduring nightmare since her son’s passing. Johnson described Kairo as a “dream baby” and lamented the irreplaceable loss felt by the family.