Father killed five-year-old son in murder-suicide

A man whose ex-partner had been awarded custody of his son killed the five-year-old and then himself during his first unsupervised visit, an inquest has heard.

Timotej Borrett and his father Lee Borrett, 41, were found dead at a house in Hopyard Close, on the outskirts of Leicester, on 24 July 2023.

Timotej was visiting Borrett, who was supposed to return him to his mother by 19:00 BST that day.

On Tuesday, senior coroner Prof Catherine Mason concluded Timotej was unlawfully killed by his father, who then took his own life.

Prof Mason ruled Borrett was "responsible for the death of Timotej by obstruction to his airway".

The inquest, at Leicester Coroner's Court, heard it had been recently been decided that Timotej - known to his family as Timmy - was to live with his mother Veronika Phillips in Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, but visit his father on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Ms Phillips had left her son with Borrett on Monday morning and when he failed to return and reply to her messages, she called Leicestershire Police at 19:34.

She then went to Borrett's home with her new partner, where they found the curtains drawn, and a further call to the police was made, Prof Mason said.

The inquest heard Timotej's mother tried to call Borrett's brother - who also lived at the house, but was not in at the time.

When he arrived after 20:00, he initially entered the house without Ms Phillips and her partner, before reopening the door seconds later and asking for help.

The inquest was told Ms Phillips found her son lying on his bed in an upstairs bedroom and tried to wake him, before an ambulance was called.

Paramedics attempted to provide Timotej with medical assistance but he was pronounced dead at 21:07.

Borrett was also found deceased inside the property with a note pinned to his clothing.

A police investigation also found Borrett had scheduled emails to send to his sister some time in the near future, the inquest heard.

In a tribute to her son, published by Leicestershire Police, Ms Phillips described Timotej as "a light in our lives, full of curiosity, kindness, and wonder".

She said: "At just five years old, he had a fascination with planets, often gazing at the stars and asking the most amazing questions.

"His love for countries and his ability to name over 180 flags amazed everyone who met him.

"Timotej had a heart so big it could hold the whole world - he was always sharing, always understanding, and always full of love.

"He will forever be our little explorer of the universe."

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