A couple, who were both drug add-icts, has been sentenced to a total of 56 years in prison for the m*rder of their 10-month-old son. The child, Finley Boden, tragically passed away on Christmas Day in 2020, with a shocking 130 injuries found on his small body, including a fractured thigh, a broken pelvis, burn marks, and extensive bruising. Shannon Marsden and Stephen Boden, previously known for their baby’s cheerful demeanor, subjected him to unimaginable cruelty, leading to this severe outcome. They have now been individually sentenced to 27 and 29 years in prison, respectively, for their harmful actions during the lockdown period.
A teenage mother who caused the d*ath of her 38-day-old baby son through a paracetamol overdose, following her delivery at the age of 16, has been sentenced to five years in prison
The individuals who carried out the heinous act of mur dering Finley Boden on Christmas Day.
Finley’s mother and father Shannon Marsden and Stephen Boden
In October of that same year, a family court made a ruling stating that Marsden and Boden did not present an “unmanageable risk” to their son, thereby allowing them to subject him to horrifying abuse within their residence in Old Whittington, Derbyshire. Tragically, at the time of his passing, the child was in a visibly deteriorated state, being unable to sit up and engage in play with his toys, feed himself, or breathe properly. This distressing condition arose within a mere 39 days after returning to the care of his parents.
The individuals who carried out the heinous act of mur dering Finley Boden on Christmas Day.
Finley Boden, tragically passed away on Christmas Day in 2020, with a shocking 130 injuries found on his small body
During the sentencing at Derby Crown Court, Mrs. Justice Amanda Tipples addressed the defendants sternly, noting, “Neither of you have displayed any remorse for your actions.”
The courtroom was filled with heightened emotions as the sentences were handed down after a distressing trial. One juror pointed to the sky, while another was brought to tears. Other people in the courtroom exhibited various reactions, including smiles.
Despite their denials, the couple was found guilty of m*rder charges after a trial held at Derby Crown Court in April.
During the sentencing, Marsden, aged 22, and Boden, aged 30, remained emotionless and silent. Meanwhile, their family members in the public gallery wept as Mrs. Justice Tipples recounted the horrific abuse suffered by Finley.
Social services had become involved during Marsden’s pregnancy due to concerns related to cannabis use, domestic violence, and the condition of the family’s residence.
The individuals who carried out the heinous act of mur dering Finley Boden on Christmas Day.
Marsden with her son Finley Boden
Soon after Finley’s birth on February 17, 2020, he was immediately removed from the care of Marsden and Boden. However, on November 17 of the same year, he was returned to their custody.
According to Finley’s relatives, he was once a cheerful and happy baby. Unfortunately, the cruel abuse inflicted upon him by his parents has robbed him of the opportunity to grow up.
The individuals who carried out the heinous act of mur dering Finley Boden on Christmas Day.
Boden holding Finley, six weeks before the child’s d*ath on Christmas Day 2020
Prosecutor Mary Prior KC revealed that the couple subjected Finley to a brutal and prolonged act of m*rder driven by sadistic motivations.
Over a period of three weeks, Finley endured vicious and repeated as*aults while both Boden and Marsden heavily consumed cannabis, both in their backyard and bedroom.
Shockingly, cannabis was even detected in Finley’s bloodstream at the time of his d*ath.
A neighbor recalled hearing Finley cry once during the early hours of Christmas Eve.
In order to avoid raising suspicion from their neighbors, Marsden and Boden collaborated in inflicting harm upon Finley. One of them would hold their hand over his mouth while the other subjected the young child to abu*e.
Additionally, the couple took great care to conceal their abusive behavior from social workers and family members. They strategically timed their absences from the house for extended periods, making it challenging for social workers to make unannounced visits.
In a disturbing attempt to cover their tracks, they even schemed to fabricate a false narrative by claiming that Finley had contracted COVID-19. They went so far as to order a test for him and exploited the prevailing health concerns of that time to prevent social workers from entering their homes.
Mrs. Justice Tipples addressed the callous perpetrators, stating, “It was an excuse that succeeded because both of you possess persuasive and deceitful abilities.” She further emphasized that they were well aware of Finley’s grave illness and impending demise, yet deliberately chose not to seek medical assistance for him. Moreover, they ensured that he remained hidden from anyone who could have intervened and rescued him from their custody.
The repeated instances of abuse inflicted upon Finley caused him significant pain, distress, and suffering on a daily basis, as emphasized by Mrs. Justice Tipples.
According to Mrs. Justice Tipples, it was unmistakably clear to both Marsden and Boden, as early as December 16, that Finley had sustained severe injuries and was in a state of profound misery.
The extent of his condition became apparent as Finley lost the ability to sit up and engage in play with his toys, as well as the capacity to feed himself.
Mrs. Justice Tipples further stated that by the evening of December 23, it was evident that Finley’s condition had deteriorated to the point of imminent d*ath. The signs were unequivocal, leaving no room for ambiguity.
During the trial, chilling text messages were presented as evidence, originating from the parents’ shared mobile phone. One such message sent just two days prior to the m*rder, read: “Little one f****** kept me up all night. I want to bounce him off the walls. Haha.”
The day preceding Finley’s m*rder, CCTV footage captured him being pushed in a stroller around Chesterfield market, creating a deceptive appearance of content and an ordinary family outing. These haunting images portray a facade of happiness, while in truth, Finley was enduring excruciating pain, his life slipping away.
Several hours later, tragedy struck as Finley experienced a cardiac arrest, leading to his collapse. Paramedics were summoned at 2:27 a.m. on Christmas Day in 2020, in a desperate attempt to save him.
The parents of the child, who had previously referred to Finley affectionately as their ‘cuddly, chunky munchkin’ in the presence of care workers, postponed the call for an ambulance.
According to Mrs. Justice Tipples, it was evident that they were aware of his demise when they contacted emergency services on Christmas Day.
Finley’s cause of d*ath was determined to be septicemia, endocarditis, and pneumonia.
Upon the arrival of the paramedic, it was observed that Finley appeared disheveled and unclean, with evident marks and wounds around his mouth and nose.
Immediate medical attention was provided by transporting Finley to the hospital alongside Marsden, but unfortunately, despite efforts, he was declared deceased at 3:45 a.m.
Medical professionals noticed the presence of marks and bruises on his body; however, Marsden provided them with misleading information.
Boden arrived at the hospital at 4:20 a.m. and also provided the doctors with deceptive details regarding the final hours and days leading up to Finley’s passing.
The two individuals had collaborated to establish a timeline to account for Finley’s condition and their activities on the day of his d*ath.
Medical experts thoroughly examined Finley’s body and determined the cause of d*ath, which revealed the presence of deliberate injuries.
Specifically, he had suffered from 46 rib fractures, along with 12 additional bone fractures, including his pelvis, both legs and collarbones.
In total, Finley had sustained over 150 injuries, and his fractured pelvis was suspected to be the result of sustained kicking or stamping, in addition to burns on his hand—one caused by contact with a hot, flat surface and another by a cigarette flame.
Finley’s autopsy revealed further distressing details regarding his injuries. The interior of his mouth showed signs of being forcefully torn, possibly due to the excessive insertion of a pacifier or bottle.
Additionally, his thigh bone displayed a spiral fracture, indicating a severe twisting force. Similarly, a break in his shin bone suggested a pattern consistent with being held by the ankle and subjected to gripping and twisting motions.
The inflicted injuries on Finley were so severe that they were likened to the impact of falling from a multi-story building.
All of his injuries were believed to have occurred between December 4 and 22, subjecting him to significant pain and suffering throughout this period.
By December 19, Finley’s condition had deteriorated to the point where he was extremely unwell, spending most of the day sleeping.
The onset of pneumonia in his lungs resulted in constant rattling and wheezing sounds emanating from his chest, according to Mrs. Justice Tipples.
Two days later, Boden canceled a health visitor appointment, falsely claiming suspicion of Finley having COVID-19 and needing a test.
Despite Finley’s declining health, Boden and Marsden continued to obtain drugs from their dealer during this time.
By Christmas Day 2020, Finley’s condition had deteriorated to the point where he was unable to eat.
The multiple fractures Finley suffered hindered his ability to breathe properly, and he subsequently developed pneumonia in his lungs, leading to various infections, including sepsis and endocarditis, ultimately causing his d*ath.
When the police conducted a search of the premises, they discovered Finley’s clothing and bedding stained with saliva, vomit, blood, and feces, alongside drug-related items.
The bedding that had been removed from Finley’s cot was also found to be covered in blood and vomit, which Boden and Marsden were aware of, as they had slept next to him in their own bed.
Empty bottles of Calpol, equivalent to a month’s supply, were recovered by the police. Boden had administered this medication to Finley, although it provided little relief for his injuries.
Boden later falsely claimed to a relative that the family dog may have caused multiple broken ribs by jumping on Finley, and attributed the marks on Finley’s mouth to his son hitting himself with a rattle.
Following Finley’s d*ath, Boden mentioned his intention to sell Finley’s pram on eBay, and the two individuals were witnessed laughing together in a taxi.
There were suggestions that Finley’s injuries could have been caused by excessively rocking him, and the comment about selling the pram was supposedly made in an attempt to lighten the mood.
When visiting Finley’s body at the hospital chapel of rest, Marsden was overheard allegedly stating, “His dad’s battered him to d*ath. I didn’t protect him.”
After Boden and Marsden were convicted, a detective inspector remarked that Finley’s injuries were some of the most severe witnessed during their 27-year policing career.
Boden was 28 years old, while Marsden was 20 at the time of Finley’s m*rder.
Boden had a history of 22 prior convictions for 33 offenses, including theft, criminal damage, and non-compliance with court orders, whereas Marsden had no previous convictions.
Boden initiated cannabis consumption at the age of nine and departed from his family home when he turned 18.
As for Marsden, she commenced drinking alcohol at the age of nine and began using cannabis at the age of 10. The court was informed that she experienced bullying during her time at school and found solace in being away from her residence.
The relationship between Boden and Marsden commenced during the summer of 2017. They swiftly became inseparable, forming a strong bond driven by their shared drug usage and a mutual sense of discontentment with their respective lives at that period.
Regular arguments were a common occurrence in their relationship, with Boden displaying a temper while Marsden demonstrated the ability to assert herself.
During the court proceedings, Marsden’s legal representative aimed to present her as a victim who was under the influence and control of her abusive partner.
Andrew Vout KC urged the court to consider Marsden as a “secondary party” in the m*rder, emphasizing that her emotions for Boden ultimately superseded all other considerations. He argued that Marsden covered for Boden due to her subjugation to him, asserting that she was ill-equipped to handle motherhood while being in an abusive relationship. Vout highlighted Marsden’s youth, immaturity, and her own mental health difficulties, suggesting that she was unable and unwilling to acknowledge the assistance offered by social services.
Vout further emphasized that Marsden herself was a victim of Boden’s abuse. While this did not serve as a legal defense, it was acknowledged that Marsden was in such a situation during the relevant time.
However, Mrs. Justice Tipples stated that the extent of abuse inflicted by Boden upon Marsden was significantly exaggerated throughout the trial. Furthermore, she clarified that this exaggeration did not impact her decision-making process regarding Finley’s case.
In victim impact statements read by the prosecutor on behalf of the defendant’s relatives, they expressed the immense tragedy of Finley’s d*ath and the profound impact it had on their lives. They highlighted that Finley had a whole life ahead of him and his passing had shattered their family, leaving them forever changed. They described the negative and haunting effect of Finley’s d*ath, expressing that he would always be remembered and loved.
Mrs. Prior, representing the prosecution, emphasized that the defendants were unable to provide any explanation or account of their actions towards Finley, leaving the family without knowledge of the motive behind the m*rder.
Another relative characterized the abuse suffered by Finley as horrific and labeled the parents as monsters. They expressed their initial mistaken belief that the defendants had changed, only to discover the true extent of their actions. The relative condemned the defendants’ joint participation in inflicting severe injuries on Finley and concealing him, leading to his agonizing d*ath. They asserted that the defendants demonstrated no remorse and vowed that the family would never forget or forgive them while promising to remember Finley.
Finley’s case also raises concerns regarding the role of social services, who had returned him to the care of Boden and Marsden. A child safeguarding review is currently underway to examine the circumstances surrounding Finley’s m*rder, as social workers had previously expressed concerns about the family’s living conditions and the parent’s drug use, even before Finley was born. A transcript from a Family Court hearing during the pandemic revealed that despite the local council’s attempts to gradually reintegrate Finley into the care of his parents over four months, the court ordered his return within eight weeks without requiring drug tests.
In an effort to convince social workers that they were capable of full-time care, the habitual drug users even cleaned their squalid homes. As part of the submissions made to the Family Court, a caregiver described the defendants as attentive and loving parents, referring to their son as “perfect” and a “cuddly, chunky munchkin” just weeks before they subjected him to 150 injuries, including burns, bruises, and broken bones.
A guardian from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) provided observations of Finley just before the court hearing. The Guardian described Finley as a child who enjoyed being held but also had a strong inclination to explore and play. Finley was portrayed as a cheerful child who liked to make noise and blow raspberries.
Many, including the Cafcass guardian, were led to believe that Boden and Marsden were taking significant steps towards being capable of caring for their son. This belief was reinforced during a Family Court hearing on October 1, 2020, when it was decided that Finley would be placed in their full-time care within eight weeks.
In a submission to the Family Court, Boden expressed their dedication to making positive changes and emphasized the importance of receiving adequate support to ensure the success of their rehabilitation. Marsden also expressed her love for Finley and her immense happiness at the prospect of his return to her care, acknowledging the necessary achievements she had to accomplish for it to happen.
Documents from Derbyshire County Council revealed concerns raised about the state of the property shortly after Finley’s birth on February 17, 2020. These concerns, along with other failures within the social services and court system, led Toby Perkins, the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, to describe Finley’s d*ath at the age of 10 months as both shocking and unsurprising. He criticized the ability of the parents to consistently outmaneuver the court and social services in their efforts to regain custody of Finley.
Toby Perkins, the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, expressed deep frustration and concern regarding the handling of Finley’s future and the impact of court delays and COVID-19 measures on ensuring his safety. He highlighted the apparent failure of social services to fulfill their duties and the ability of the parents, who ultimately m*rdered Finley, to consistently outsmart both social services and the courts throughout the process. While not entirely surprising given these circumstances, the situation remains shocking.
According to a social worker, various issues were identified in the couple’s home, including a broken glass mirror in the bathroom sink, a strong smell of cannabis, and a lack of engagement and cooperation with professionals. The document described the home as unclean and at times hazardous, with instances of feces on the floor, a urine odor, flies in the property, and items stored in the unusable bathroom sink.
The assessment concluded that Finley faced a significant risk of harm if he remained in the care of his parents. Social services dismissed the option of Finley returning to his parents’ full-time care as late as June of that year. However, by September, social workers recognized the couple’s ability to initiate positive changes and recommended a gradual transition to full-time care. During the height of the pandemic, the couple attended all contact sessions with Finley and displayed affection towards him, which led social workers to have no concerns about their ability to love their child.
Despite acknowledging the need for continued improvement in areas such as drug use and consistent care, the local authority recommended a planned and gradual return of Finley to his parents. A social worker cautioned that without sustained positive changes in home conditions, including addressing substance misuse and meeting Finley’s care needs consistently, the child would be at risk of neglect and physical and emotional harm.
However, magistrates rejected the council’s plea for a four-month transition period and regular drug testing for the parents during a phone hearing that lasted less than two hours. The court deemed four months as too lengthy for both the parents and the child.
The results of a forthcoming review of Finley’s case are expected to be released later this year.
In response to the sentencing of the Finley Boden case, a spokesperson from the NSPCC expressed deep sadness and shock at the appalling cruelty and abuse inflicted upon Finley before his tragic d*ath. They emphasized the need to understand the exact circumstances and identify areas where better protection could have been provided to Finley through the forthcoming Child Safeguarding Practice Review. This review will play a crucial role in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The spokesperson highlighted the vulnerability of babies and young children, who depend entirely on adults for care and protection, making them particularly susceptible to abuse. They called for the government to implement the recommended changes from previous reviews and expert advice in order to transform the child protection system. It is essential for the various agencies involved to collaborate effectively with a shared focus on the well-being of children, including infants like Finley.
The NSPCC also emphasized the responsibility of every individual to take proactive steps in preventing child abuse.
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