Police officers who went to Finley’s house in Old Whittington just a few hours after the baby’s death, were shocked by the dirty, messy house.
There was a strong smell of cannabis and animal faeces in the property and officers were unable to get up and down the stairs safely due to the clutter.
In the kitchen, they found dirty pots, pans, and decaying food around the units and on the floor. The bathroom looked as if it was used as a store room rather than for cleaning.
The mattress, the bedding, pillows, and clothes in Finley’s bedroom were all soiled and dirty nappies were lying on the floor.
DI Stephen Shaw, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: “There were a lot of signs around the house of the cannabis use and abuse and it was an environment where no child should have to live.”
High Court Judge Mrs Justice Tipples told Stephen Boden and Shannon Marsden they had subjected him to “unimaginable cruelty”.
Jailing them both for life today, she said: “Finley was a lovely, baby. He was happy, smiling and chuckling. He was just 10 months old when you murdered him. The facts in relation to his last days are terrible to describe."
2. Finley Boden murder
DI Shaw, the senior officer leading the investigation into the murder baby Finley has said the 10-month-old was in a house where where ‘no child should have to live’. Photo: Derbyshire Police
3. Finley Boden murder
Finley’s belongings in his bedroom were all soiled and dirty nappies were lying on the floor. Photo: Derbyshire Police
4. Finley's bedroom shows awful living conditions the baby had to sufffer
Finley'smattress, bedding, pillows, and clothes were all dirty. Photo: Derbyshire Police