In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that two parents were jailed following the catastrophic stabbing death of a one-year-old toddler. Following proceedings at Manchester Crown Court, Peter Chilvers—of Hewitt Grove, Northwich, Cheshire—was sentenced for the systematic domestic abuse and coercive control of his partner, which the court accepted contributed to a total breakdown in her mental health. It was reported that in the early hours of 27 August 2017, Greater Manchester Police were called to an address in Beaford Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, where they discovered the body of one-year-old James Chilvers in a bath.
The investigation established that the infant had suffered multiple “vile” stab wounds. Magdalena Lesicka—the mother of the child—pleaded guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility at an earlier hearing at Preston Crown Court. Greater Manchester Police reported that Lesicka had also inflicted serious stab wounds upon herself before being treated in hospital. The prosecution reported that detectives subsequently uncovered a history of “horrific” and sustained domestic abuse inflicted by Peter Chilvers against Lesicka prior to the tragic killing in 2017.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Chilvers had “broken” the spirit of his partner through a relentless campaign of coercive and controlling behaviour. Manchester Crown Court heard that the toxic environment created by Chilvers in Wythenshawe, Manchester, directly impacted the events of that fateful evening. The investigation established that while Lesicka was the one who physically ended the life of the one-year-old, the judiciary recognized the significant role played by Chilvers’s criminal damage and common assault in the lead-up to the tragedy.
Judge Patrick Field QC presided over the final sentencing on 19 December 2019, where the “heartbreaking” impact of the domestic terror was detailed. For her actions in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Magdalena Lesicka was sentenced to 15 years in prison. For his “deplorable” role in the systematic abuse that precipitated the breakdown, Peter Chilvers was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison. The judge noted that Chilvers had taken everything from the mother, including her spirit, resulting in a loss that could never be repaired.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Magdalena Lesicka and Peter Chilvers as of March 2026 was as follows:
- Magdalena Lesicka Custodial Sentence: 15 years (Sentenced July 2018; currently serving).
- Peter Chilvers Custodial Sentence: 18 months (Sentenced December 2019; released 2020).
- Sex Offenders Register: Not applicable (Offences categorized under Homicide and Domestic Abuse).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Manchester and Preston Crown Courts.
- Criminal Record (Lesicka): Manslaughter with diminished responsibility.
- Criminal Record (Chilvers): Coercive and controlling behaviour; Common assault; Criminal damage.
- Origin: Wythenshawe, Manchester; Beaford Road and Hewitt Grove, Northwich.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Lesicka is managed as a high-risk violent offender within the prison estate. Due to the nature of her conduct, which involved the “unthinkable” killing of her own infant son, her management remains a maximum priority for the National Probation Service. Authorities state that the circumstances of her mental health breakdown during the 2017 incident require intensive psychological monitoring and support to ensure public protection upon any future release.
Peter Chilvers is managed as a domestic abuse offender. Authorities state that his history of “calculated” and “systematic” control demonstrates a significant risk to future partners. Any attempt by Chilvers to enter into new domestic relationships or any presence near the survivors of his abuse in Wythenshawe, Manchester, or Northwich, Cheshire, will be closely monitored by the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) to ensure that no further “vile” harm is inflicted on the community.
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.