Soldier jailed for killing son

A soldier has been jailed for seven years for the manslaughter of his two-year-old son.

Lance Corporal Lee Khair, 22, of Worthy Down Barracks, Winchester, Hampshire, was sentenced on Friday after being found guilty in October of the manslaughter of Ryan Franklin-Khair.

The trial heard how Ryan suffered severe brain injury and bruising over his body while being cared for by Khair at his girlfriend's house in Sheep Market Hill, Blandford, Dorset, on 26 May, 2002.

Khair has never admitted his responsibility for causing the injuries or explained exactly how they occurred, Winchester Crown Court was told.

The truth is that only you know what happened that fatal night...anything I say cannot bring any comfort to Ryan's mother Mr Justice David Steel

Sentencing Khair, the judge, Mr Justice David Steel, said: "Despite the verdict of the jury following a detailed trial you are still unable to acknowledge any responsibility for Ryan's death.

"The truth is that only you know what happened that fatal night and I must proceed on the basis that you have chosen to remain silent.

"Anything I say cannot bring any comfort to Ryan's mother."

The judge added: "I am driven to the conclusion that maybe tired, Ryan managed somehow to cause you to lose your temper and self-control."

The youngster died on 29 May after being taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Khair told paramedics and hospital staff that his son had fallen down a flight of stairs, the trial was told.