MELISSA WILBAND SHAKEN BABY IN LEDBURY: TRAGIC DEATH IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE

A woman named Melissa Wilband has been found guilty of the manslaughter of her four-month-old daughter, Lexi Wilband. The devastating incident took place in their home in Newent, Gloucestershire, in April 2020. The court proceedings revealed harrowing details about the case, including that Lexi was discovered to have suffered bleeding on her brain, a condition often associated with violent shaking. Prosecutors indicated that the injuries were likely caused by recent and possibly earlier episodes of violent shaking, which raised serious concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the infant.

Wilband, aged 28, was convicted after a jury deliberated for less than two days, demonstrating the strength of the evidence against her. During the trial, it was also disclosed that Wilband's ex-partner, Jack Wheeler, was initially charged with causing or allowing Lexi's death. However, these charges were eventually dropped, and Wheeler was acquitted. Wheeler, who was not Lexi's biological father, testified that Lexi went floppy in his arms and stopped breathing, claiming that he believed she simply lost consciousness. Despite his account, evidence presented during the trial suggested that Lexi had been subjected to shaking by someone responsible for her care, which was a critical factor in the case.

The court heard that Wilband had instructed Wheeler to burn drugs to destroy evidence and to lie about the circumstances surrounding Lexi's death. Wheeler complied with these instructions, further complicating the case. Throughout the proceedings, Gloucestershire Police emphasized that Wilband had lied repeatedly, undermining her credibility. The police also highlighted that Lexi was shaken by someone who should have been protecting her—her mother, Melissa Wilband.

Judge's remarks indicated that Wilband would face sentencing on 22 May. Until then, she was granted bail, but her actions and the tragic loss of her child left the court in tears. The case has drawn significant attention to issues of child safety and parental responsibility, with authorities making it clear that Wilband will now face the legal consequences of her actions in connection with her daughter's death.