Northern Ireland

PPS may appeal baby killer’s ‘lenient’ jail term

Hunter McGleenon died in November 29, 2019
Hunter McGleenon died in November 29, 2019 Hunter McGleenon died in November 29, 2019

PROSECUTORS are considering appealing as “unduly lenient” a 13-year jail sentence handed to a man who murdered his girlfriend’s 11-month-old baby.

Sharyar Ali (34) killed Hunter McGleenon in Keady in November 2019 while he was supposed to be caring for him.

The little boy had 19 instances of head and neck trauma.

Ali, of Westenra Terrace, Monaghan town was looking after Hunter while his mother Nicole was with her dying grandmother. But he visited casinos and mobile phone shops in Monaghan and Louth, often leaving the baby in the car – on one occasion for more than two hours.

When Ali arrived at Nicole’s grandmother’s house the next day, he said Hunter was not breathing and later claimed he had fallen from a sofa while having his nappy changed.

Ali was yesterday told he will spend at least 13 years in jail.

The PPS is considering whether there is a ground to refer the sentence to the Court of Appeal.

Speaking outside court, Hunter’s aunt Coleen McGleenon said: “This monster who murdered a defenceless baby will, at some point, get to go on to live his life whilst we will continue to grieve and struggle with ours.

“No amount of time will make up for what our family have lost – not being able to see baby Hunter take his first steps, say his first words, celebrate his first birthday, or grow and develop in life. We have been robbed of life’s precious gift.”

COURT REPORT P8