Callous pair jailed for life over murder of Liam, two
AMOTHER and her partner have been jailed for life for murder after subjecting toddler Liam Fee to a “cruel and pitiless regime” of abuse and neglect.
The court heard how jailed Rachel Trelfa, formerly of Macclesfield, has been ‘ disowned’ by her entire family and has shown no remorse.
Rachel Trelfa, now Fee, and her civil partner Nyomi Fee, 29, inflicted appalling suffering on two-year-old Liam.
He was murdered at his home near Glenrothes, Fife, on March 22, 2014 following a prolonged campaign of horrific abuse spanning more than two years.
He had suffered fatal heart injuries similar to those found on road crash victims and spent the last few days of his short life in agony from an untreated broken leg and fractured arm.
The pair were also behind a catalogue of unspeakable cruelty against two boys in their care, one of whom they tried to blame for Liam’s death.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, judge Lord Burns handed both women life sentences and indicated they would be in their 50s before they can be considered for release.
He ordered Trelfa to serve a minimum of 23-and-a-half years behind bars, while Fee – described by police as “domineering” – must spend at least 24 years in prison.
The judge told them: “In respect of Liam it was plain... that he had been subjected to a prolonged course of violent behaviour which caused him appalling suffering both physically and mentally and ultimately caused his death at the age of twoand-a-half.”
The couple, who have shown no remorse, displayed little emotion as their fate was revealed.
The couple were convicted of Liam’s murder and seven other charges against them in May following a trial at the High Court in Livingston.
The women admitted serious failings over the lack of medical help sought for Liam but denied murder.
Brian McConnachie QC, representing Trelfa, told the court she maintains that she has suffered a miscarriage of justice in relation to the murder and most of the other charges.
He said the pair were being held in different prisons, with Trelfa – who has been disowned by her entire family – being “to all intents and purposes” locked up for 24 hours a day for her own protection.
Mark Stewart QC, for Fee, said she accepted responsibility for failing to obtain medical assistance for Liam but “maintains her plea of innocence” over the remaining charges.
The trial heard that a number of people had expressed concern about Liam’s wellbeing during his short life. Fife Council is now reviewing how it handled the case.