In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that a couple was jailed for a total of 15 years for the “horrific” torture of a 15-month-old baby. On Wednesday, 20 March 2019, Madison Ricketts-Devereux, then 22, and her partner Craig Sayers, then 32, appeared at Hereford Crown Court for sentencing. It was reported that the pair subjected the toddler to multiple fractures and a “vile” injury where a toenail was forced out at their home in Ledbury, Herefordshire, in January 2017.
The investigation established that the abuse came to light when Ricketts-Devereux took her daughter to the hospital because the child was unable to raise her arm. West Mercia Police reported that medical examinations revealed a broken arm, two fractured fingers, and several other “monstrous” multiple fractures. The prosecution reported that while the mother was responsible for the damage to the child’s right arm, Sayers had entered the room to cause injuries to the left arm and toe in Ledbury, Herefordshire.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the “vulnerable victim” suffered a sustained assault at the hands of those trusted to care for her. Hereford Crown Court heard how Sayers was on bail for another case of violence at the time of the attacks, which the judge noted as a significant aggravating feature. The prosecution reported that Sayers “breached trust” after being relied upon to settle the child, choosing instead to inflict “outrageous” physical harm in Worcester and Ledbury.
Recorder Martin Jackson noted that Ricketts-Devereux’s immaturity was a slight mitigating factor, but she still caused “vile” injuries to her own child. For their actions in Ledbury, Herefordshire, Sayers was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Ricketts-Devereux was handed a six-year term. The judge noted that their previous good character did not mitigate the gravity of the offences, as they were both “old enough to know better” than to torture a helpless infant.
Sentences and Statutory Requirements
For their crimes in England, the defendants were handed the following:
- Craig Sayers (32): Nine years in prison for Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
- Madison Ricketts-Devereux (22): Six years in prison for Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Hereford Crown Court following a jury conviction.
- Aggravating Factors: Sustained assault, breach of trust, and offending while on bail (Sayers).
- Origin: Ledbury, Herefordshire and Worcester, Worcestershire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Both Ricketts-Devereux and Sayers are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Mercia Police and the National Probation Service in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire areas. Due to the “monstrous” nature of the injuries inflicted upon a 15-month-old, their management—particularly upon their eventual release—is subject to intensive scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
Authorities state that the nature of the fractures and the forced removal of a toenail necessitated a “robust” custodial response to protect the public. The case remains a high-profile example in Hereford of the collaboration between medical professionals and police to identify non-accidental injuries in toddlers. Any future contact with children for either Ricketts-Devereux or Sayers in Ledbury, Worcester, or elsewhere will be strictly prohibited and monitored by social services and law enforcement for the duration of their licences and beyond.
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.