A tragic incident in Leicester has revealed that a five-year-old boy was unlawfully killed by his father during their first unsupervised visit. The harrowing details emerged during an inquest at Leicester Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.
Father and Son Found Dead
Lee Borrett, 41, and his son, Timotej Borrett, were found deceased at a property in Hopyard Close on the evening of July 24, 2023. Emergency services were called to the scene after concerns were raised about Timotej’s wellbeing.
Senior coroner Catherine Mason confirmed that Timotej was unlawfully killed, while Mr. Borrett died by suicide. This occurred during the boy’s initial unsupervised visit following his parents’ separation.
Mother Raised Concerns
Timotej’s mother, Veronika Phillips, became alarmed when Mr. Borrett failed to return their son at the agreed time of 7 PM. She contacted Mr. Borrett’s brother, who discovered the devastating scene and sought assistance. Paramedics arrived at approximately 9 PM but were unable to save Timotej, who was found unconscious on his bed.
A post-mortem examination determined the boy’s cause of death was an external airway obstruction, while Mr. Borrett’s death was attributed to hanging.
Coroner’s Findings
During the inquest, Coroner Mason stated:
“Lee Borrett carried out an intentional act with the intended action being his own death, so the appropriate conclusion is suicide.”
The police investigation confirmed that Mr. Borrett was solely responsible for Timotej’s death. Additionally, it was revealed that Mr. Borrett had scheduled emails to be sent to his sister, indicating premeditation.
Heartfelt Tribute from Timotej’s Mother
In an emotional statement, Ms. Phillips paid tribute to her son, saying:
“Our beloved Timotej was a light in our lives, full of curiosity, kindness, and wonder. At just five years old, he had a fascination with planets, often gazing at the stars and asking the most amazing questions.”
She described him as a remarkable child with an extraordinary ability to name over 180 flags and a heart so big it could “hold the whole world.”
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski, who led the investigation, called the incident “devastating” and praised the courage of the family during the inquiry. He also thanked the emergency responders and investigative team for their professionalism under challenging circumstances.
Community Shocked
The tragedy has left the local community in shock, with many expressing their condolences to Timotej’s grieving family.
