‘Monster’ foster parent jailed for baby’s murder

A woman who murdered the baby boy she wanted to adopt has been branded a “monster” by his biological mother.

Leiland-james Corkill, aged one, was placed with Laura Castle, 38, and her husband Scott, 35, in Barrow-infurness by Cumbria Children’s Services Department.

Castle was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years yesterday after a jury heard that she killed the boy by smashing his head against furniture.

His mother, Laura Corkill, called Castle a “monster” in a letter to Mr Justice Baker, the judge. An independent review into the adoption process is due to report back in July.