Man Guilty Of Murdering Gateshead Baby

8 May 2013, 16:12 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man has been found guilty of murder after the death of a two month old baby in Gateshead

In the early hours of Saturday, March 19th, 2011, Logan Ormston was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead with serious injuries.

He died at the RVI the next day.

A Home Office post mortem established the cause of his death was a head injury.

Police launched an investigation and 24 year old Karl Walker, of Durham Road, Gateshead, and 20 year old Courtney Ormston of Condercum Road, Newcastle were subsequently arrested.

Today, Karl Walker has been found guilty of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years.

Courtney Ormston has been found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child (section five of domestic violence crime and victims act 2004).

She has been sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years.

Detective Chief Inspector Christina Barrett, senior investigating officer, said:
"Logan Ormston died because the people who should have been protecting him completely failed him.

Instead of caring for him he suffered at their hands, and ultimately met his death.

Our thoughts remain with Logan's father and grandparents and the rest of his family who have lost him in such awful circumstances and we hope they are now able to attempt to move on with their lives.

I'd like to thank everyone involved in what has been a harrowing investigation for their commitment to ensuring those responsible were brought to justice."

Family Statement

Logan's dad, Mickey Rathbone, said:
"Logan's death has affected me badly.

I put my trust in these people to look after my son and this happened, it's left me feeling angry and disappointed.

This shouldn't have to happen to anybody, no-one should have to go through this.

It's been hard to cope. I find it hard to go out and see friends, especially those who?ve got children, as I miss Logan so much and can't believe he's gone.

I want to go back to work but haven't been able to as it's too upsetting.

I keep asking myself why this had to happen to me."


BELOW: Karl Walker and Courtney Ormston .