In 2018, the Offender Database recorded that 19-year-old Lauren Coyle and her 20-year-old partner Reece Hitchcott were convicted following the death of 19-month-old Ellie-May Minshull-Coyle. The toddler died in March 2017 at a flat in Ward Street, Lostock Hall, Preston. It was reported that the investigation began after the child was found dead in a bed that had been deliberately turned into a cage using cot sides, ligatures, and electrical flex to restrain her.
The investigation established that Ellie-May was forced to sleep in a face-down position, tied to the bed frame with marks found on her wrists and ankles. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the room was kept in total darkness with a mattress covering the window. The prosecution reported that a post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as forcible restraint by ligatures in a face-down position, complicated by hyperthermia.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that while Coyle and Hitchcott were cleared of manslaughter, they were found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and two counts of child cruelty. Liverpool Crown Court heard that the couple claimed the cage was built to get the toddler into a sleeping routine. The investigation established that Coyle had sent Snapchat messages hours before the death stating the child was “pissing me off” and “taking the mick” by crying.
Judge Mr Justice Dove presided over the trial, which concluded with the convictions of the mother and stepfather, while their lodger was cleared of all charges. For their actions in Preston and Lostock Hall, the pair were warned to expect custodial sentences measured in years. The judge noted the horrific conditions the child was subjected to, emphasizing that the cage and restraints were a complete betrayal of the duty of care owed to a defenceless toddler.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the records reported in Lancashire, the status of the offenders as of April 7, 2026, was as follows:
- Custodial Status: RELEASED (Sentenced to 10 years each in November 2018; released on licence circa 2023-2024).
- Supervision Status: Subject to post-release supervision and strict licensing conditions.
- No Contact Order: Permanent ban on unsupervised contact with children.
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Causing or allowing the death of a child; Child cruelty).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court; investigated by Lancashire Police.
- Criminal Record: Caged 19-month-old daughter in a bed; Tied child face-down with ligatures; Caused death by restraint and hyperthermia.
- Origin: Preston, Lancashire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Coyle and Hitchcott are managed as high-risk violent offenders within the community following their release from prison. Due to the nature of their conduct—specifically the “premeditated and cruel” method of restraining a toddler and the dismissive attitude shown in digital communications—their management is a priority for the Lancashire Police Public Protection Unit. Authorities state that their history of using physical ligatures and electrical flex to control a child identifies them as individuals who present a significant risk to the vulnerable.
As convicted child abusers, the details of both Coyle and Hitchcott are permanently logged on the national police database. Authorities state that their licence conditions include mandatory reporting of any new relationships and a total prohibition on living in a household with minors. Any future residence in Preston, Bamber Bridge, or elsewhere will be subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Any attempt to bypass these restrictions or any proximity to children will result in immediate arrest and recall to prison to ensure the safety of the public from their demonstrated pattern of lethal neglect and cruelty.
QUESTION – Given that the offenders were cleared of manslaughter despite the child being tied face-down in a cage, do you believe the charge of “Causing or Allowing the Death of a Child” provides sufficient justice for such extreme cruelty?
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