Woman who violently shook partner’s baby son to death after threatening to throw another child from a window is jailed
A WOMAN who shook her partner’s baby son to death after threatening to throw another child out a window has been jailed.
Shannon Driver was banned from being alone with children when she was left to look after 18-month-old Jaxon Syrett while his dad was at work.
The 27-year-old violently shook the baby, who tragically died after six days on life support.
Little Jaxon also suffered horrific injuries consistent with being gripped tightly around the chest while being shaken, swung and being thrown or slammed down on a hard surface.
Driver has now been jailed for 17 years after being convicted of manslaughter.
Dad Kieran Irvin revealed his heartache in a victim impact statement today as he paid tribute to his “innocent” son who gave him “so much joy”.
He added: “I just have the memory of him helplesssly laying in my arms when they turned the machines off. I couldn’t believe this was real.
“I thought I trusted her with Jaxon.If I knew this is what she was capable of, I wouldn’t have been with her and he would be here today.
“This has been an awful journey no parent should have to go through.
“There will always be unanswered questions, but nothing will bring Jaxon back.”
Lewes Crown Court heard Driver was subject to a family court order that meant she was only allowed supervised contact with her own son.
She was also not allowed to be left alone with other children after threatening to throw a young boy from a window.
On September 18, 2020, police were scrambled to Jaxon’s home in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, following reports a child was seriously injured.
Lying Driver claimed the tot had slipped in the shower when quizzed by officers.
Tragically, his parents were forced to make the agonising decision to switch his life support machine off.
A post mortem found Jaxon had suffered significant non-accidental injuries that suggested inflicted trauma.
In a tribute, his family said: “The tragic loss of Jaxon has changed our lives forever. We will never see Jaxon’s cheeky smile again, nor hear his infectious laugh and will miss every milestone Jaxon had to reach.
“Jaxon had his whole life ahead of him. We as a family hold and cherish every memory we have of Jaxon.
“We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with this investigation, and in getting a conviction and some kind of justice for our baby.
“The support we’ve been given in such devastating circumstances has been so appreciated.”