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Jeremiah Regis: Warning to public after Wednesfield boy's murder

'We must all be alert to the warning signs that as child is being abused'

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Jeremiah Regis-Ngaujah

The words of the NSPCC after a man was jailed for beating a two-year-old boy to death.

Chevaze McGregor carried out a relentless campaign of violence against Jeremiah Regis-Ngaujah.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, McGregor, 27, of High Street, Wednesfield, was jailed for 21 years after pleading guilty to the boy's murder.

His partner, the boy's mother, Sindyann Regis, 26, was jailed for three years and four months after pleading to guilty to causing or allowing his murder.

MORE: Jeremiah Regis murder: Thug who killed youngster after campaign of abuse jailed for at least 21 years

The court heard how the violence started soon after he moved in to Regis’ flat, and went on for four months until his death.

McGregor used physical chastisement to ‘toughen children up’ and used his fists and items such as a belt and a rod to discipline Jeremiah.

Medical examinations following his death found that he had suffered a smashed skull, traumatic brain injuries and several broken ribs, some months old and others inflicted just hours before his death.

Chevaze Sanchez McGregor, who admitted killing Jeremiah Regis-Ngawah

Last night, a spokesman for the NSPCC said: “We must all be alert to the warning signs that a child is being abused.

"The signs aren't always obvious, and a victim might be too young to tell anyone what has happened to them – or to understand that it is wrong.

“It can take real courage for someone to speak out if they are concerned about a child.

"But whether it is noises they have heard from next door, or unusual behaviour at the school gate – reporting it could mean a child gets the help they need.

“Warning signs of abuse to look out for in children under five could include them not crying or responding to a parent’s presence or absence from an early age, and reaching developmental milestones late, such as learning to speak, with no medical reason."

Jeremiah was taken to New Cross Hospital, but died despite efforts of medical staff.

Paul Reid, District Crown Prosecutor with West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Throughout his short life, Jeremiah had been exposed to pain, hurt and suffering inflicting by Chevaze McGregor.

“Sindyann Regis accepted that there was a significant risk of serious harm being caused to her son by McGregor and that she was aware of the risk. She failed to protect him from that risk which ultimately led to his death."

He added: “In the early hours of Sunday morning McGregor had become angry with the child and taken him into the bedroom.

"Two loud banging noises were heard and when Regis opened the door she saw McGregor holding the crying child and shouting at him. He told her to close the door, but instead of intervening and stopping him, she closed the door and just walked away.

“Our thoughts are today with those affected by Jeremiah’s very sad and untimely death.”

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