'Our lives will never be the same again' says baby Ross' aunt

The aunt of an infant killed by his mother's fiancé has told the Central Criminal Court the family's lives will never be the same again.

Philip Doyle (aged 34) of Kinkily, Augury, Co Wicklow is to be sentenced next Tuesday for the manslaughter of baby Ross Murphy at Crag Demesne, Gorey, Co Wexford on April 5, 2005.

Leona Murphy sobbed loudly as her sister Adele told the court how she remained heartbroken by the death of baby Ross who was taken from them tragically when just three and a half months old.

He suffered fatal injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome while alone in the care of Leona's fiancé Doyle at their home in Gorey.

The painter-decorator lied to everyone including medical staff for three weeks, claiming nothing unusual had happened.

He then changed his story and claimed to have tripped while holding the baby.

In a letter read out to the court, he apologised for his lies and said he will have to live with Ross' death for the rest of his life.