A TWO-DAY inquest is due to held into the death of baby Leiland-James Corkill, who was murdered by a woman who hoped to adopt him.

The youngster died at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool following an incident at the home of Laura Castle in Barrow in 2021.

During a trial at Preston Crown Court, Castle admitted manslaughter but denied murdering the child.

Jurors convicted Castle of murder and a judge ordered her to serve at least 18 years behind bars.

Her husband Scott Castle was cleared of causing or allowing the boy's death

Originally from Whitehaven, Leiland-James was a ‘looked-after child’ who was taken into care at birth before he was approved to live with his prospective adoptive parents from August 2020.

On the morning of the incident Castle called paramedics after she claimed Leiland-James had fallen from a sofa in their home at Eskdale Avenue. 

But giving evidence in court, she admitted she had shaken him. 

Passing sentence, Mr Justice Baker said: "Leiland-James was particularly vulnerable because of his very young age.

"There was physical and mental suffering beyond the shaking which caused his death, including slapping and pinching.

"There was a considerable abuse of trust in you - you lied about the physical chastisement.

"There is immeasurable upset caused to Leiland-James' birth mother and foster mother.

"You tried to cover up what you had done rather than seeking to assist those providing medical assistance to Leiland-James."

The judge said Castle had a 'selfish desire' to keep Leiland-James even though she was struggling to bond with the baby and it was a 'tragedy' the Castles did not end the adoption.

Detective Superintendent Dave Pattinson, the senior investigating officer in the case, said at the time: "No child should ever have to experience the sustained abuse Leiland-James suffered. He was only 13 months old, and he was completely defenceless. 

“I hope the manner in which it this has been dealt with and the outcome, will reassure the public that the Constabulary will act robustly and bring those responsible for such abuse to justice.”

The inquest, presided over by coroner Dr Nicholas Shaw, is due to take place at Cumbria House in Carlisle on April 29 and 30.