Baby Hunter McGleenon: PSNI share harrowing 999 call after man jailed for murder of child
The PSNI has shared the harrowing 999 call made the night baby Hunter McGleenon was found unresponsive following the 13 year jail term handed down to his killer.
Sharyar Ali, aged 34, has today been sentenced for the ‘appalling’ murder of the 11 month old child following an investigation by detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team.
Mr Ali, who appeared before Newry Crown Court today, (Thursday 27 October), was sentenced to life in prison, serving a minimum of 13 years, having previously pleaded guilty to murder.
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The PSNI also share CCTV footage of Ali spending time at a casino when baby Hunter was left alone in his car on a cold November night.
Detective Inspector Mark Gibson said: “First and foremost, my thoughts today are with Hunter’s loving mother and family, who have suffered terribly. This is a loss that no one – no parent – should ever have to endure.
“Mr Ali, who was in a relationship with Hunter's mother, had been entrusted to look after the baby while she went to visit a sick relative. It was then that he inflicted serious injuries.
"He originally claimed the little one had sustained head injuries from a fall, but he subsequently admitted to murder.
“Evidence gathered, which includes CCTV footage, shows Mr Ali driving from Keady to a casino in Castleblaney, where he remains for almost two and a half hours, leaving baby Hunter outside in the car, alone that cold November evening.
“It’s later that night, however, having returned to the house in Keady, that Hunter’s young life is taken. He dies from serious injuries. Injuries inflicted by Sharyar Ali – the very person who should have been caring for and protecting him.
“It’s been an extremely distressing case, and I’m grateful to my officers for their dedication and sensitivity from the beginning of the investigation right through to today’s sentencing. We have also worked closely with the Public Prosecution Service to bring Mr Ali to justice.
“Unfortunately, I’m acutely aware that the family’s deep sorrow doesn’t end today – it will last a lifetime. And my thoughts remain with them.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to investigating all reports of abuse against children and young people. If you’re concerned about a child’s welfare, please contact police on 101, or in an emergency call 999.”
Coleen McGleenon, Hunter’s Aunt, on behalf of Hunter’s family, said: “On behalf of our family I would like to thank each and every one of the team that worked tirelessly on baby Hunter’s case.
