Mother And Partner Jailed For Murder Of Toddler

A mother and her partner have been sentenced in connection with the murder of a two-year-old girl in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.

Darryn Armstrong, 35, was handed a life sentence in May after pleading guilty to the murder of Ali Jayden Doyle.

On Thursday, 24 October, 2024, a Belfast Crown Court judge ordered him to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Ali Jayden died from head injuries sustained in a house in Dungannon in August 2021. Her mother, Jade Dempsey, 28, previously pleaded guilty to wilfully neglecting and exposing her daughter in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury. She was sentenced to a probation order of three years.

The case has shocked the local community and highlighted the tragic consequences of child abuse.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: "Jade Dempsey had temporarily left her two children, Ali and her baby boy, in the care of her partner Darryn Armstrong. This was at Armstrong's home in Dungannon on the morning of 6 August 2021.

"She was later summoned to get back to the children via a call from Armstrong, saying that Ali had fallen and hit her head. 

"Little Ali, who was just two years old, was taken to hospital but, tragically, died later that same day from her injuries.  "The shocking reality is that Armstrong, who would later admit to murder, had caused Ali's fatal head injury in a deliberate act of violence.

"His cowardly and sickening actions took an innocent young life.  He has robbed a young boy of his big sister, and caused unimaginable heartache to a loving father and wider family."

Ali's father, Dylan Doyle, has spoken of the family's sorrow. 

Mr Doyle said: "Firstly, I would like to thank the Police for their help and support throughout what has been a long and very emotional three years to finally get to this point of getting some justice for Ali.

"We as a family will never forget our beautiful girl Ali.  She will always be in our hearts.

"We will never be able to accept that such a beautiful young child can be so cruelly taken away from us."

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly added: "A Child Protection Care Plan which was in place specified that Darryn Armstrong was not allowed to have contact with the two siblings. Unfortunately, their mother had chosen to ignore this safeguard – a decision that cost a little girl's life.

"Today, working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, both defendants have been held accountable. At the same time, however, I know that Ali's loved ones, whose worlds have been shattered, are walking away with the heaviest of hearts. My thoughts, and those of the team, remain firmly with them."