Babysitter battered toddler to death

Karl Roger McCluney inflicted 68 injuries on two-year-old Demi Leigh Mahon, Manchester Crown Court heard.

The boy, who admitted manslaughter, was left in charge of the child by her mother, Ann Marie McDonald, while she went out to pick up a child benefit cheque.

McCluney took the little girl to a park before attacking her at his home in Liverpool Road, Salford, Greater Manchester, on July 15 last year.

There were gasps from the public gallery as the jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for less than three hours.

Ms McDonald sobbed silently when the verdict was read out by the jury foreman.

McCluney sat listlessly, looking down at his shoes.

Mr Justice Sweeney warned him that he would serve a minimum of 12 years before adjourning the case for pre-sentence reports.

McCluney was remanded into secure accommodation until sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on July 31.