The mother of Dylan Scanlon has been found guilty of his murder following a trial which last nearly five weeks.

Claire Scanlon, 38, of Elm Road, Limeside, appeared in court via a link as she heard the jury deliver their verdict this afternoon (July 12).

Five-year-old Dylan was found on New Year's Eve 2021 in Elm Road with 64 separate injuries to his head and body, though mirtazapine (an antidepressant) toxicity has been determined as his ultimate cause of death.

Scanlon was charged with one count one murder, with alternative lesser counts of manslaughter, child cruelty for repeated assault, and child cruelty for neglecting/failing to seek medical assistance.

Judge Amanda Yip said she will sentence Scanlon at a later date which was not confirmed.

The jury was sent out to begin deliberations at around 3.30pm on Monday (July 10) afternoon.

At around 3.30pm today, the jury returned with their verdict, finding Scanlon guilty of murder.

The jury took just over nine and a half hours to reach their verdict.

During the trial, which began on June 13, the jury heard evidence from people including Dylan's father and Scanlon's ex-partner Gary Keenan, Scanlon's other son Shawn and other family and friends as well as neighbours.

Evidence was also heard from pathologist Dr Charles Wilson, who said Dylan died of an overdose of mirtazapine, an anti-depressant drug Scanlon was prescribed.

Dr Wilson also told the court Dylan had more than 20 injuries to his head which he believed to be non-accidental injuries that were consistent with injuries suffered by children who are beaten by adults.

In her evidence, Scanlon denied being responsible for Dylan's death and said she did not know how the fatal level of mirtazapine had entered Dylan's body.

Nicola Carter, Senior Crown Prosecutor for North West CPS said: “Claire Scanlon’s role as a parent was to love and protect her son from harm, but she took the ultimate step to take her young son Dylan away from her ex-partner.

“She initially told her family that a ladder had fallen on Dylan, then a short time later she told a paramedic that he had fallen down some steps.

"The truth was that she had deliberately poisoned and beaten him.

“I would like to offer my sincere sympathies to Dylan’s loved ones including his grandfather, father and brother who gave evidence at the trial.

"They not only have to come to terms with his loss, but also the manner in which he died.”