The parents of one year old James Chilver have been jailed after the toddler was found with catastrophic stab wounds in his bath at a property in Wythenshawe over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2017
Magdalena Lesicka – James’ mum – had left before police arrived and gone to hospital with James’ dad – Peter Chilvers. She was being treated for serious, self-inflicted stab wounds.
In the days that followed, Magdalena was arrested in hospital and remained under watch by police until she recovered from her injuries.
Whilst investigating the circumstances of James’ death, detectives established that Magdalena had been subjected to systematic abuse by Peter Chilvers prior to the tragic incident in 2017.
Magdalena Lesicka,33, of Beaford Road, Wythenshawe pleaded guilty to manslaughter with diminished responsibility at Preston Crown Court in July 2018. She is currently serving 15 years in prison.
Today Peter Chilvers,33 of Hewitt Grove, Northwich was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square to 18 months in prison. He was previously found guilty of coercive and controlling behaviour, common assault and criminal damage following a 5 week trial.
During Magdalena’s impact statement which was read out in court, she said: “I hope he [Peter Chilvers] recognises that he didn’t need to break me in the way he did. He has taken everything from me, including my spirit.”
Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Eales, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This has been one of the most devastating and complex cases that I have ever come across. I speak for myself and many other colleagues when I say that our thoughts will always remain with James – an innocent little boy who lost his life so needlessly.
“Understandably the death of James sent shockwaves through the community and I know the tragic loss of James has been felt by all those who knew and loved him. Today’s result is the culmination of hard work and determination from detectives who have been absolutely committed to this case over the past two years and I would like to thank them for their dedication and resolve in the most distressing of circumstances.
“Peter Chilvers inflicted significant domestic abuse towards Magdalena Lesicka over a sustained period of time, which the court accepts contributed towards a break down in her mental health on that fateful evening in August 2017.
“If people take anything away from this heartbreaking case, please let it be that there is support and help available for those who are suffering at the hands of domestic abuse.
“Most importantly though, I hope today’s result has seen justice served for the person who matters most – James.”
