Northern Ireland

Whoriskey to appeal against Kayden manslaughter conviction

Liam Whoriskey has instructed lawyers to appeal against his manslaughter conviction. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Liam Whoriskey has instructed lawyers to appeal against his manslaughter conviction. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Liam Whoriskey has instructed lawyers to appeal against his manslaughter conviction. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A MAN jailed for causing the death of Derry toddler Kayden McGuinness is to appeal against his conviction.

Liam Whoriskey (25) was sentenced to 15 years for the manslaughter of the Derry youngster at a flat at Colmcille Court in the Bogside in September 2017, with half to be served in prison and half on licence.

He was also sentenced to two-years in prison on a charge of cruelty to a child at his trial at Derry Crown Court.

Whoriskey of Glenabbey Gardens in Derry pleaded not guilty to three-year-old Kayden’s manslaughter. He has now instructed his legal team to lodge an appeal at the High court against his conviction.

At his trial in October, it was revealed that Kayden was found dead in his bed. He had suffered multiple injuries and bruising, with at least 15 non-accidental bruises to his scalp.

Handing down the 15-year sentence, Derry Recorder, Judge Philip Babington said Whoriskey had been almost in the position of step-father to the victim.

Whoriskey was a former partner of Kayden’s mother, Erin McLaughlin to whom he had become engaged a week before the child’s death.