In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Michael Wild, then 31, of Morland Road, Gleadless, Sheffield, is serving a life sentence for the “vile” murder of 22-month-old Ella-Rose Clover. Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in June 2019, Wild was ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years behind bars for the “vicious” and systematic abuse that led to the toddler’s death.
The investigation established that Ella-Rose died on 21 January 2018 in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, after suffering internal bleeding caused by “vicious” blows to her abdomen. The prosecution reported that Wild had been secretly bullying and physically assaulting the baby for months. One such “vile” assault two months prior to her death was so severe it required emergency surgery to remove part of the girl’s bowel—an injury doctors initially mistook for a medical condition. On the day of her death, Ella-Rose had been left in Wild’s care while her godmother, Sharleen Hughes, ran errands.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
Judge Mr Justice King emphasised that Wild had carried out a “cold and cruel” campaign of abuse. The court reported that Sharleen Hughes, then 36, of Mardyke, College Bank, Rochdale, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child. The judge emphasised that Hughes “ought to have been aware” of the “vicious” risk Wild posed, yet she continued to leave the child in his care. Furthermore, Hughes was convicted of two counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice for providing misleading information and “vilely” encouraging others, including her own son, to lie to the police.
The prosecution emphasised that Wild was “not sociable” and had “viciously” inflicted a wound to the toddler’s ear just a week before her death, which Hughes had tried to conceal with a bandage. Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin of Greater Manchester Police emphasised that this was one of the most “traumatic” cases his team had ever handled, noting that the betrayal of trust by a godmother was “beyond comprehension.” For her “despicable” failure to protect the child, Hughes was sentenced to five years in prison.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For their crimes in England, the following sentences were handed down:
- Michael Wild: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for murder.
- Sharleen Hughes: Five years in prison for causing or allowing the death of a child and perverting the course of justice.
- Sex Offenders Register: While primarily a murder case, the “vicious” nature of the abuse against a minor ensures lifelong monitoring under MAPPA.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Both Wild and Hughes are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Due to the “vile” and “vicious” nature of the systematic beating of a 22-month-old baby, Wild’s status remains under the highest level of scrutiny within the prison estate and will continue for the duration of his life licence.
Authorities in Greater Manchester state that the “despicable” concealment of the abuse from the child’s mother was a significant factor in the severity of the sentences. Hughes, having served her custodial term, remains subject to strict licence conditions. Any breach of these conditions or any future “vile” behaviour will result in immediate recall to prison. The case remains a “horrific” reminder of the need for “vicious” vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.