Andrew Cawker: Mother guilty of child cruelty after toddler death

A mother has been found guilty of child cruelty after her toddler was killed by her boyfriend.

18-month-old Andrew Cawker died in July 2019 after sustaining "unexplained injuries" while being cared for by Scott Coombe, 24.

Coombe of Towncourt Lane, Petts Wood previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter of the toddler at a hearing at the Old Bailey in February.

He also admitted to child cruelty and to assaulting little Andrew on three occasions.

Andrew’s mother, Tamika Beaton, 25, from Peckham denied neglecting her son and failing to protect him from her boyfriend.

But on Monday October 24 a jury found her guilty of cruelty to a person under the age of 16.

She will be sentenced along with Coombe on November 18.

Coombe started a relationship with Beaton in July 2018.

He moved into her flat and over the course of a year repeatedly assaulted Andrew.

On July 9 2019 Andrew was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Coombe claimed Andrew had fallen over and suffered a seizure.

However, after he was admitted to hospital and examined by medical professionals, suspicions were raised that the injuries sustained could not have been accidental.

Andrew never regained consciousness and died in hospital on July 23 2019.

A post-mortem examination concluded Andrew had died as a result of a head injury but a number of other bruises were found around his face and shoulder.

The pathologist remarked that given the level of injuries, the account given by Coombe as to how they were sustained was ‘implausible’.

Det Sgt Quinn Cutler, a homicide detective, led the investigation and said: “This is an utterly heart-breaking case where a defenceless child has sustained prolonged abuse at the hands of those who should have been caring for him, resulting in his death.

“Andrew should have been in the place where he felt safe; at home with his mother and her partner.

“However, over the course of a year, Andrew suffered regular assaults at the hands of Scott Coombe culminating in the attack on July 9 2019 which proved to be fatal.

“His mother, Tamika Beaton, clearly suspected Coombe was responsible for these injuries but chose not to intervene or seek help.

“Indeed, when questioned by police she sought to place the blame on another man.

"While Beaton did not directly inflict injuries on her son, her inaction most certainly played a part in his death.”