Karl McCluney denied murder but was convicted last month A 16-year-old boy who beat a toddler to death while babysitting her has been ordered to be detained for 15 years. Karl McCluney punched Demi Leigh Mahon in the face, bit her and left her with at least 68 injuries in the sustained attack in Salford in July 2008. The two-year-old suffered brain damage and died two days later. McCluney, who was left in charge of Demi Leigh for about an hour and a half, admitted manslaughter but was convicted of murder by a jury. He attacked Demi Leigh on his 15th birthday. 'Stood no chance' The teenager sat slouched in a chair as the sentence was handed to him by Mr Justice Sweeney, who described the murder as "savage". He said McCluney was "fed up" because no-one had planned anything for his birthday and became angry when Demi Leigh began crying. "You got angrier and angrier until you lost your temper altogether," the judge said. Demi Leigh Mahon was left brain-damaged in the attack "You then, over a period according to you of about 10 minutes, hit her many times. "You were large and powerful, she was only a small child and stood no chance against your onslaught. "It is clear that your severe conduct disorder means that you are a dangerous young man who presents a significant risk to public safety. "You will not be released until such time as it is decided you no longer pose a danger. When that might be is, at present, impossible to tell," the judge added. Demi Leigh was left with McCluney by her mother, Ann Marie McDonald, on 15 July 2008 while she went to cash her child benefit. He deserved what he got - but it is a shame hanging was not an option

Gary Mahon, father The teenager took Demi Leigh to the park before carrying out the attack at his home in Liverpool Road, Eccles. McCluney had admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but the jury at Liverpool Crown Court rejected this claim and convicted him of her murder on 26 June. The court heard that he was diagnosed as suffering an unsocialised conduct disorder and had a "below normal" IQ. McCluney has never fully explained his attack on Demi Leigh but had alluded to the fact he was angry with her behaviour. Social work failings Det Supt Geoff Wessell, who led the investigation, said: "Despite his young age McCluney is an extremely dangerous young man. "While I am pleased he will be off the streets for a very long time, there is no sentence that can bring Demi back to her family." Salford Children's Services admitted failings in the protection of Demi Leigh after a review found telephone calls from relatives concerned about her welfare were not followed up properly. Concerns about Ms McDonald's drug problems were not dealt with adequately and there were a number of "missed opportunities" for intervention, the review found. Speaking after the sentencing, Demi Leigh's father Gary, 41, said he was happy with the sentence. "He deserved what he got - but it is a shame hanging was not an option. "We had justice for Demi Leigh today and now she can rest in peace."



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