THE mother of a 3-year-old who was beaten to death by his uncle in Downham has been left "empty, heartbroken, lonely, lost, devastated and confused".

Her son, Daniel Evbuowman, was murdered by Ben Igbinedion, of Darent House, Brangbourne Road, after he wet the bed they were sharing.

Igbinedion, 43, was found guilty by an Old Bailey jury yesterday (November 7).

Mother Augustina Kunu said in an impact statement read to the court: "How do I describe the loss of my only child Daniel?

"Daniel’s death has left me empty, heartbroken, lonely, lost, devastated and confused.

"I cannot concentrate or focus on my studies, I am unable to sleep and when I am able I wake up in tears because I can no longer see him lying by my side.

"I cannot get over Daniel’s death because of the bond we had.

"He was a brilliant son, a friend, a star, a hero and a help-mate. He would look into my eyes and say 'Mummy how are you?'

"His death has affected my marriage, leaving it empty because Daniel was our dream, the pride and crown of our marriage.

"His dad, Victor, has been left broken-hearted, confused, lonely and empty.

"This whole matter has pulled our family apart. My prayer is that God will restore peace to our families."

The Old Bailey heard how, on March 2, Daniel was staying the night at Igbinedion's, who was left in charge of him and his three children while his wife went to work.

Igbinedion said Daniel and his youngest son should sleep in his room, while the other children slept in their own room.

In the early hours of the morning, one of the children was woken by Igbinedion telling off Daniel for wetting the bed.

Igbinedion moved the victim into the children's bedroom, where he remained until the morning.

In the morning Daniel's cousins attempted to wake him but after several attempts he slumped from the bed to the floor.

An ambulance was called and Daniel was taken to Lewisham Hospital where he died of internal bleeding.

His pelvis had been shattered and several ribs broken.

A post-mortem examination concluded the injuries could not have been caused by an accidental fall from the bed where Daniel was sleeping.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn, of the Met Police’s homicide and major crime command, said: "Ben Igbinedion's violent actions resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy who had no chance of defending himself and devastated the lives of two families.

"Throughout the time since Daniel's death, Igbinedion has continued to deny any involvement. However, a jury has seen through his story and convicted him of murder."

Igbinedion will be sentenced on November 22.