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Last Updated: Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 21:00 GMT 22:00 UK
Man changes plea over baby murder
Andrew Lloyd
Andrew Lloyd admitted murdering his then girlfriend's baby
A man who denied murdering his partner's 13-month-old son has changed his plea to guilty during his trial at Swansea Crown Court.

Andrew Lloyd, 23, wept uncontrollably as the charge of killing Aaron Gilbert was put to him again.

Lloyd, of Townhill, Swansea, will be sentenced to life in prison.

The trial of Rebecca Lewis, 21, Aaron's mother and Lloyd's former partner, who denies familial homicide by not protecting her son, continues.

Lloyd had denied the murder charge until hearing medical evidence on Wednesday about Aaron's injuries.

The jury had already heard how Aaron died from brain damage after suffering 50 separate injuries to his body.

The prosecution's opening arguments claimed a neighbour was prepared to testify that Lloyd had beaten the child so badly that he looked "like the Elephant Man".

Aaron Gilbert
Lloyd broke down after the medical evidence on Aaron Gilbert's death

Following the medical evidence, Lloyd's legal team asked the judge, Mr Justice Langstaff, for time to consult their client.

After a long delay his barrister Ian Pringle QC asked for the murder charge to be put again.

It was at that point Lloyd wept uncontrollably. Mr Justice Langstaff said Lloyd was so emotional he wanted reassurance that his was a "considered plea." Mr Pringle assured him it was.

Sentencing has been adjourned.

The case against Rebecca Lewis continues. The prosecution argues she did not protect her son from Lloyd inflicting the fatal injuries on him.


VIDEO AND AUDIO NEWS
"Aaron had gone from being a happy child to a victim"



SEE ALSO
Baby death case told of threats
11 Oct 06 |  South West Wales
Court heard fears for abused baby
09 Oct 06 |  South West Wales
Baby boy died 'with 50 injuries'
05 Oct 06 |  South West Wales



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