DANA CARR'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN SHOTTON: MOTHER JAILED FOR LETTING DAUGHTER'S DEATH HAPPEN

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Shotton, County Durham, Dana Carr, a 24-year-old woman, has been convicted of serious child cruelty and the neglect that led to the death of her two-year-old daughter, Maya Chappell. The incident, which took place at Carr's residence in Shotton Colliery, has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted the devastating consequences of parental neglect intertwined with abusive relationships.

In November 2023, Carr was sentenced to a lengthy prison term of nine years after a jury at Teesside Crown Court found her guilty of allowing her child's death and failing to protect her from harm. Despite her conviction, Carr sought to appeal her sentence, arguing that it was excessively harsh and should be reduced. Her appeal was heard at the Court of Appeal in London, where Lord Justice Singh and two other judges presided.

The court carefully examined the circumstances surrounding Maya's death, which was the result of severe brain injuries inflicted by her mother's partner, Michael Daymond. The court heard that Daymond, who had only recently moved into Carr's home, became violent after discovering that his Universal Credit benefits had been halted. He was also under threat over drug debts, which appeared to have contributed to his violent outburst. During this assault, Maya was violently shaken, suffering catastrophic brain damage. She was rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle but succumbed to her injuries two days later.

Daymond was subsequently convicted of her murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. The trial revealed that the couple had only been together for a few weeks when Daymond moved into Carr's residence. It was during this brief period that Maya's body began to show signs of severe abuse, including numerous bruises. Despite being aware of the injuries, Carr did not intervene or take steps to protect her daughter. Instead, she received messages from Daymond containing lies and justifications for his violent actions, yet she failed to act to prevent further harm.

During the appeal hearing, Carr's legal representative, Toby Hedworth KC, described her as a