Father killed his son, five, in murder-suicide after losing custody

A father killed his five-year-old son on his first unsupervised visit after losing custody of him, before taking his own life, an inquest has heard.

Timotej Borrett, known as Timmy, was suffocated by father Lee Borrett at his home in Leicester just days after he had been placed in the full custody of his mother, Veronika Phillips, last year.

His mother had dropped him off at his father's home at around 8.50am on July 24 last year for the visit - and rang police at 7.34pm that evening when Timmy did not arrive home.

Their bodies were discovered by Borrett's brother who had let himself into the property after being contacted by Ms Phillips.

An inquest at Leicester Coroner's Court concluded that Timmy had been unlawfully killed, and that Borrett's death was suicide.

It was also revealed there had been a history of domestic abuse when the couple were still together, with Borrett described as having 'anger management' issues.

Coroner Dr Catherine Mason said: 'Detectives concluded Lee Borrett was responsible for the death of Timotej Borrett and Lee Borrett was responsible for taking his own life.'

The tragedy took place shortly after a draft judgement had been made in relation to Timmy's care, which ruled that he would live with his mother but visit his father's home three days a week during term time.

Describing the horrifying moment Borrett's brother entered the mid-terraced house, the coroner said: 'He said he was on his way. He went into the house and closed the door before anyone else could go inside.

'A few seconds later he returned and asked for help. Timotej's mum and her partner ran in. They found Timotej lying on his bed. She tried to wake him up.'

Dr Mason said a post-mortem examination found Timmy died as a result of 'external airway obstruction'.

Borrett had separated from Ms Phillips around three years earlier.

Police investigators were able to establish that on the day of the killing, he had sent an email to his sister at 4.28pm, and also searched online to see if 'delayed emails can be sent from an iPhone'.

In a moving statement released after the inquest, Ms Phillips said: '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. His love for countries and his ability to name over 180 flags amazed everyone who met him.

'Timotej had a heart so big it could hold the whole world—he was always sharing, always understanding, and always full of love. He will forever be our little explorer of the universe.'

Det Ch Inspr Mark Sinski, senior investigating officer, said: 'This has been a devastating, heartbreaking and incredibly traumatic incident and investigation. My thoughts remain with the families involved at this time and I thank them for their bravery and support during our enquiries and throughout the inquest hearing.

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Pictured: Father and his five-year-old son who were found dead after the little boy's mother won custody of him

'My thanks also go to the response team and to the investigation team involved for your true professionalism and dedication in extremely difficult circumstances as well as to everyone who assisted our investigation to help find answers for the families involved.'

Borrett and Ms Phillips, from the town of Trencin, met while working at a business on an industrial estate at Lutterworth, Leics, where she was a team leader.

Footage emerged at the time of Borrett and Timmy playing on a park merry-go-round just weeks before their deaths.

The clip showed the pair having fun on the small carousel with two other children - apparently with no concerns. Friends previously claimed Borrett initially had custody of Timmy, before Mrs Phillips was granted residency.

A Slovakian woman who was friends with both Borrett and Ms Phillips told the Mail: 'She sent me a message saying that Lee had killed Timotej and then killed himself. She said the boy looked like he was sleeping.'

'I was like a second mother to Timotej,' she said. 'I was one of the first people to hold him in the hospital.

'I can't imagine what Veronika is going through. It is the worst thing in life to lose a child.'

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Pictured: Father and his five-year-old son who were found dead after the little boy's mother won custody of him

Her husband, a lorry driver, said Borrett told them he had separated from Ms Phillips.

He claimed Borrett had to give up full-time work in order to care for his son.

'He was a good father and a good person. He was a sensitive man and the boy was his everything.'

The couple said Timotej was fascinated by the planets 'and could name them all', as well as cars and enjoyed playing with Lego.

Borrett's neighbour, Carole Potter, 70, said at the time of the incident: 'Veronika went in and I heard a scream and then she came out and just collapsed in a heap on the floor.

'Her boyfriend was trying to comfort her. I did not know what had happened. I just hoped against hope that the little boy was safe.'

Mrs Potter added: 'I knew that Timmy was with Lee for the day. About 5.30pm I heard the little boy screaming but it was like hysterical laughter rather than anything to worry about. The next thing I heard was Veronika bashing on the door and shouting at about 8.30pm.

'Recently Veronika told me that she had got full custody.

'The little boy was lovely. I would see him come home from school and he'd want to talk about his day but the dad always pushed him inside.

'This has broken my heart. I will never forget it for the rest of my life.'