PARENTS JAILED FOR NEGLECT LEADING TO BABY KAYLEIGH-MAI'S DEATH
Both parents were jailed at Leeds Crown Court for their “wilful neglect” of their daughter.Sheard was found guilty of cruelty to a person under 16 and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Damen received four-and-a-half years.
She admitted the offence.
The inquiry into Kayleigh-Mai’s death was led by Det Supt Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police, who said the injuries she had suffered were non-accidental and “incompatible” with her parents’ account.
“We could not see anybody else that could have been responsible for those injuries,” he said, adding that the investigation team was “satisfied they occurred in the family home.” He said there had been no “red flags” in Kayleigh-Mai’s background to raise concerns although neighbours had reported hearing raised voices from the parents and the loud crying of a child.
“It is a matter of great regret from those neighbours that they did not call the police,” he added.
West Yorkshire Assistant Coroner Kirsty J.
Gomersall described the case as “a tragedy of immense proportions.” The injuries were assessed by medical professionals, including a burns specialist, who said the injuries to her face were consistent with burning from close proximity to a gas fire, not sunburn.
Dr Kathryn Ward found no evidence of natural disease or predisposing bone disorder, but confirmed the fractures were consistent with non-accidental injury.
An investigation concluded the injuries were non-accidental and “incompatible” with the parents’ accounts, and no other responsible individual was identified.
Kayleigh-Mai was pronounced dead after suffering extensive injuries.
Her death was deemed to have an unascertained cause, with broad injuries including burns, bruises, abrasions, scars, and fractures, but no evidence of shaken baby syndrome or other medical conditions contributing to her death.
