Man charged with murder of Dylan, 3

Sep 3 2011

A 21-year-old man is due in court charged with the murder of a three-year-old boy.

Dylan Crean was found with life-threatening injuries at a property in Albert Village, Swadlincote, on the Derbyshire-Leicestershire border, on Tuesday afternoon.

He was taken to Derby Royal Infirmary and later moved to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham where, despite the efforts of medical teams, he died on Wednesday afternoon, Leicestershire Police said.

The man, named in reports as Gavin Cawser, the partner of Dylan's mother, was charged with murder and two counts of actual bodily harm. He will appear at Loughborough Magistrates' Court.

No details about the cause of the youngster's death have yet been released.

Nearly 6,000 people have joined an online group to pay their respects to Dylan, including one who signed the message "daddy".

The Facebook group, called "RIP Dylan Crean", shows a picture of the toddler, who has his hair fashioned in a spiky style, looking into the camera and smiling broadly.

One comment left by Shane John Smith wrote: "Rip son I love u so much ill never ever 4get bout u ur in ma thoughts constantly love u allways daddyxxxxx."

Sheree Thraves wrote: "Fly high little man. This should never have happened :( so so sorry for your mummy Dylan to lose you in such a way. Now your a precious angel so wrap your wings around mummy and guide her through these hard times."

The creator of the page, who is not identified, wrote: "Thought i'd make a page for the little boy heaven has got you safe from harm now .. Thinking of the family at this very sad time."