Shannon Driver, a resident of Bexhill in East Sussex, was sentenced today at Lewes Crown Court to 17 years in prison for the tragic manslaughter of 18-month-old Jaxon Syrett.

This heartbreaking case unfolded after Jaxon passed away on September 24, 2020, following severe injuries sustained under Driver’s care.

Jaxon Syrett died after six agonizing days on life support, his small body bearing injuries indicative of violent shaking and trauma.

The court heard how he suffered grievous harm consistent with forceful handling, including being gripped tightly around the chest, swung, and possibly slammed onto a hard surface.

Jaxon’s father, Kieran, expressed profound grief and regret, recalling the harrowing moment when he held his son for the last time as life support was withdrawn.

Speaking to the Sun, he lamented trusting Driver with Jaxon, reflecting that knowing her capability for such violence would have altered his decisions.

“I just have the memory of him helplessly laying in my arms when they turned the machines off.

I couldn’t believe this was real,” he shared.

Initially, Driver attempted to cover up the incident, claiming that Jaxon had slipped in the shower and hit his head.

However, paramedics arriving at the scene noted inconsistencies in her story, such as the child being dry and wearing a clean diaper.

Past Warnings and Restrictions

Further revelations during the trial disclosed that Driver, despite not being Jaxon’s mother, had been entrusted with his care while Kieran was at work.

This decision, despite court orders restricting her from unsupervised contact with children due to her own son, highlighted significant lapses in safety protocols.

Family’s Sorrow and Justice Served

Jaxon’s mother, Chloe Syrett, emphasized her concerns over Driver’s mental health and previous child custody issues.

She regretted allowing Driver any unsupervised access to her son, stressing the importance of adhering to court-ordered restrictions.

Final Remarks

In a poignant statement following Driver’s sentencing, Jaxon’s family expressed gratitude for the support received during this traumatic period.

Despite the court proceedings, they acknowledged that no sentence could compensate for their profound loss but hoped it would provide some closure.

Investigator Dick Hemmings acknowledged the family’s resilience throughout the investigation, expressing hope that the verdict would offer them the necessary space and privacy to mourn and heal.

TDPel Media

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