Dad kills his son, 5, on first unsupervised visit after splitting from boy's mum

Five-year-old Timotej Borrett was found dead along with his father Lee Borrett, 41, at a property on outskirts of Leicester following the dad's first unsupervised visit

A “beloved” five-year-old was killed by his dad on his first unsupervised visit after splitting from the boy's mum, an inquest has heard.

Lee Borrett, 41, and his son, Timotej Borrett, were both found dead in a property on outskirts of Leicester on the evening of July 24, 2023. On Tuesday, senior coroner Catherine Mason told Leicester Coroner’s Court that their deaths occurred during Timotej’s first unsupervised visit with Mr Borrett since he separated from the boy’s mother.

Mrs Mason concluded that Timotej was unlawfully killed and Mr Borrett died by suicide. The court heard that the inquests had previously been opened and adjourned to allow a police investigation to take place. Veronika Phillips, the boy’s mother, paid tribute to her son in a statement after the inquest and said he "had a heart so big it could hold the whole world".

The inquest heard that Timotej was meant to be returned to his mother at 7pm that day but Ms Phillips became “concerned” when she did not hear from Mr Borrett. Mrs Mason told the inquest that a decision had been made for Timotej to live with his mother but visit his father on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The mother called Mr Borrett’s brother who entered the property in Hopyard Close, which had its curtains drawn, before he went back outside to ask for help. Paramedics arrived at the address at around 9pm and attempted to save Timotej, who had been found unconscious on his bed, but he was pronounced dead seven minutes later.

A post-mortem examination found that the schoolboy’s cause of death was an external airway obstruction and his father’s cause of death was suicide. The coroner told the inquest: “Lee Borrett carried out an intentional act with the intended action being his own death, so the appropriate conclusion is suicide.” She added that the police investigation concluded that Mr Borrett was responsible for the death of his son, and no one else was involved. The police investigation also found that Mr Borrett had scheduled emails to be sent to his sister at some point in the future, the inquest heard.

In an emotional statement released by police after the inquest, Timotej’s mother paid tribute to her son and 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.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski from Leicestershire Police said: “This has been a devastating, heart-breaking 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 inquiries and throughout the inquest hearing.

“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. Thank you.”

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