BRANDON HEATH SENTENCED IN NORTHWICH FOR CHILD'S DEATH

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Northwich, child killer Brandon Heath was sentenced to serve a significant prison term after being found guilty of causing the death of a 22-month-old girl. The incident, which occurred in August 2020, led to a heartbreaking loss for the child's family and has raised serious concerns about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers.

Brandon Heath, aged 22 at the time of sentencing, is currently detained at HMP Altcourse. He was convicted of manslaughter at Chester Crown Court last Thursday, following a trial in which the jury acquitted him of the more serious charge of murder. The court heard that the young girl was under Heath's care at a residence in Northwich when she sustained injuries that proved to be fatal.

On August 30, 2020, the child's condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting her to be rushed to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Medical examinations revealed she had suffered a 'catastrophic' brain injury, which left her with no chance of recovery. The medical team made the difficult decision to switch off her life support machines the following day, acknowledging that her injuries were incompatible with life.

During the sentencing hearing on March 8, Heath appeared emotionless as Mrs Justice Naomi Ellenbogen delivered her judgment. She sentenced him to 13 years and six months in prison. Addressing Heath directly, Mrs Justice Ellenbogen remarked, “Only you know exactly what happened in the 27 minutes from the mother’s departure and your call to emergency services. The witnesses who testified described the child as lively, funny, and probably one of the happiest babies you could meet. Photographs presented to the jury captured her joyful personality.”

The judge emphasized the impact of the child's brief life, stating, “In her short time with us, she brought immense joy to her family and friends.” She also highlighted Heath’s history of losing his temper and lashing out when frustrated, which was evident from the evidence presented during the trial. Heath did not dispute that the child's death resulted from accidental causes but claimed that her injuries were inflicted not by him but by her mother before she left the house that morning.

Prosecutor Miles Wilson read out a victim impact statement from the child's mother during the sentencing. The statement expressed profound grief and heartbreak, saying, “She had her whole life ahead of her, it breaks my heart I will not see her live her life. It kills me every day knowing I left my baby with someone I thought I could trust. I wake up thinking about her, and each day I have to come to terms with what has happened all over again.”

Mrs Justice Ellenbogen concluded by noting the seriousness of the case, particularly given the child's young age and Heath’s attempt to shift blame onto the child's mother. The court’s decision reflects the gravity of the crime and the devastating impact on the victim’s family and the community of Northwich.