Kane Fanelli, 27, from Luton sexual assaulted and tortured an 18 month old boy

During 'gruelling' abuse, the toddler suffered bruising, swelling, and bite marks

Injuries were discovered when the child was taken to hospital, leading doctors to call the police

Sentenced to 18 years with additional four years on extended licence at St Albans Crown Court

Kane Fanelli, 27, of Clover Close, was jailed for 18 years at St Albans Crown Court after he subjected a toddler to a horrific and prolonged campaign of abuse

A toddler is lucky to be alive after being subjected to a horrific and prolonged campaign of abuse by a Luton man.

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Kane Fanelli, 27, of Clover Close, appeared before St Albans Crown Court for sentencing last Thursday following a seven-week trial.

During the trial, the court heard how Fanelli subjected the victim, who lived in Watford, to physical and sexual abuse between May 2018 and June 2018.

The child, who was only 18 months old at the time, has now been safeguarded, suffered a catalogue of traumatic injuries, including bruising, swelling, bite marks, burns, cuts and abrasions.

On Sunday, July 1, 2018, the child was taken to hospital with an injury and after doctors conducted a thorough physical examination, they discovered a large number of other painful injuries they deemed non-accidental and they called the police.

One of the paediatricians who assessed the child said that in over 25 years of paediatric practice he had rarely seen such extensive injuries in a child and that it was 'fortuitous he was alive'.

The child was given medical treatment to relieve his pain before being immediately placed under police protection.

Fanelli was arrested on Thursday, July 4, 2018 before later being charged in connection with the investigation.

During the trial, the court heard how Fanelli subjected the victim, who lived in Watford, to physical and sexual abuse between May 2018 and June 2018.

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On Thursday, October 17, he was found guilty of two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of sexual assault against the child.

Detective Constable Caroline Bright, from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Joint Child Protection Investigation Team, led the investigation.

She said: 'This was the most challenging and gruelling case I have ever investigated and first and foremost, my thoughts are with the little boy.

'He is now finally safe from his abuser and I can only hope the inexplicable cruelty he suffered does not have a far-reaching impact on the rest of his life.

'During his campaign of torture, Fanelli showed himself to be a significant and dangerous risk to children. He consistently displayed a complete disregard for the wellbeing of an innocent toddler.

'I am satisfied with Fanelli's custodial sentence and am glad he will no longer pose a danger to children now he is behind bars.'

After serving an 18-year custodial sentence, Fanelli will serve an additional four years on extended licence.

However, he will be assessed prior to release from prison to ensure he no longer poses a danger to the community.

His name will appear on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely and he will also be subject to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, with a number of terms which prevent him having contact with any child under the age of 16.

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He is prohibited from contacting the victim, who is now three-years-old and thriving in foster care.