Demi death babysitter 'not proud'

The 15-year-old admits unlawfully killing Demi Leigh Mahon but denies murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

He allegedly inflicted 68 injuries on the toddler while her mother went to collect a child benefit cheque.

Manchester Crown Court heard he took the toddler to the park before taking her to a house in Eccles, Salford, on July 15 last year, where he inflicted the catastrophic injuries.

Psychiatrist Dr Cesar Lengua told Manchester Crown Court that the boy, who cannot be named, told a health worker: "I'm not proud of what I've done and everyone will think I'm a monster but nobody can ever punish me as much as I'll punish myself."

Dr Lengua, who was called by the defence, said the boy suffered from an unsocialised conduct disorder and had a "below normal" IQ.

He told the jury the boy's poor ability to think and regulate his emotions - and what he called his "poor moral development" - had more influence over his actions than his poor intellectual ability.

Dr Lengua said: "He has a poor understanding of other people's emotions and other people's functions." He said it was clear there were "disharmonious relationships between the parental figures in this boy's life" and that family dynamics were crucial to understanding the development of his conduct disorder.

Dr Lengua said: "He has an inappropriate way of regulating his emotions and inappropriate moral development."

He added that the boy also had limited problem-solving skills in social situations. The trial continues.