In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Ryan Coleman, 23, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, remains serving a life sentence for the murder of one-year-old Evelyn-Rose Muggleton. On appearing at court in 2019, it was reported that Coleman, the partner of the child’s mother, battered the toddler while she was in his care. The court reported that Evelyn-Rose died in hospital in April 2018, three days after sustaining traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding.
The investigation established that Evelyn-Rose suffered multiple bruising, bleeding to the eyes, and damage to her spine. Northamptonshire Police reported that Coleman had a history of violence and drug dealing and was homeless before moving into the family home in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The prosecution reported that although Evelyn-Rose’s four siblings showed signs of neglect, social workers maintained an “over-optimistic” view of the mother’s parenting and closed the case prematurely.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that professionals lacked “professional curiosity” and failed to challenge the mother’s choice of partner. Northampton Crown Court heard how NHS and school staff failed to share recorded signs of neglect. The prosecution reported that the mother described Coleman as a “caring, loving person” and was unaware of the danger he posed until he attacked the child while she was at work in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Keith Makin, chair of the safeguarding board, noted that although poor practice occurred, the single “catastrophic incident” was difficult to prevent once the case had been closed. For his actions in Kettering, Northamptonshire, Coleman was convicted of murder and jailed for life. The judge noted that the injuries inflicted on a one-year-old child were “monstrous” and reflected the high risk Coleman posed to vulnerable dependents.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Ryan Coleman was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: Life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Northampton Crown Court for murder.
- Criminal Record: Convicted of the murder of a one-year-old child.
- Origin: Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Coleman is managed by the prison estate and is subject to high-level oversight. Due to the “traumatic” nature of the injuries inflicted on Evelyn-Rose in Kettering, Northamptonshire, his eventual release on licence will be determined by the Parole Board after he has served his 17-year minimum term.
Following the murder, authorities launched national awareness campaigns regarding the potential dangers of introducing new partners with violent histories into children’s lives. Coleman’s history of drug dealing and instability necessitates that he remains under stringent monitoring for life. Any further violent misconduct or breach of future licence conditions will result in an immediate return to custody.
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