MICHAEL DAYMOND SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF TWO-YEAR-OLD IN SHOTTON COLLIERY
| Red Rose Database
Shotton Colliery Child Abuser
In a tragic and heart-wrenching case that has shocked the community of Shotton Colliery, Michael Daymond, aged 27, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years after being found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend's two-year-old daughter, Maya Chappell. The incident occurred in September 2022, a mere nine weeks after Daymond had begun a relationship with Dana Carr, the child's mother.
Daymond's actions culminated in the devastating death of Maya, who suffered fatal injuries while in his care at their home in Shotton Colliery. The circumstances surrounding her death were thoroughly investigated, revealing that she had sustained an 'inflicted head injury' consistent with being forcefully shaken, a form of abuse that led to her untimely demise. On the day of the tragedy, Daymond contacted emergency services, claiming that Maya had collapsed. Despite efforts to save her, Maya Chappell passed away in hospital two days later.
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, the jury found Daymond guilty of murder, leading to his life sentence. His partner, Dana Carr, aged 24, was also convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for neglecting her daughter's welfare and allowing her death to occur. The court heard that Carr had ignored repeated concerns from relatives about suspicious bruises on Maya in the weeks leading up to her death. These concerns, which could have indicated ongoing abuse, were dismissed by Carr, who was supposed to be protecting Maya with her life.
In a poignant statement read aloud in court, Maya's family and her father, James Chappell, expressed their profound grief and anger. They described Maya's life as having been 'stolen' by what they called a 'monster and coward.' The family also conveyed their feelings of guilt for not being able to protect her, lamenting that their worries about the bruises and signs of abuse had been ignored. They felt 'crippled' with guilt for not acting sooner to prevent the tragedy.
The case has left the community of Shotton Colliery in mourning, highlighting the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse. The court's verdict underscores the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of suspected child abuse, and the tragic loss of Maya Chappell serves as a stark reminder of the need for protective measures to safeguard vulnerable children.
Daymond's actions culminated in the devastating death of Maya, who suffered fatal injuries while in his care at their home in Shotton Colliery. The circumstances surrounding her death were thoroughly investigated, revealing that she had sustained an 'inflicted head injury' consistent with being forcefully shaken, a form of abuse that led to her untimely demise. On the day of the tragedy, Daymond contacted emergency services, claiming that Maya had collapsed. Despite efforts to save her, Maya Chappell passed away in hospital two days later.
During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, the jury found Daymond guilty of murder, leading to his life sentence. His partner, Dana Carr, aged 24, was also convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for neglecting her daughter's welfare and allowing her death to occur. The court heard that Carr had ignored repeated concerns from relatives about suspicious bruises on Maya in the weeks leading up to her death. These concerns, which could have indicated ongoing abuse, were dismissed by Carr, who was supposed to be protecting Maya with her life.
In a poignant statement read aloud in court, Maya's family and her father, James Chappell, expressed their profound grief and anger. They described Maya's life as having been 'stolen' by what they called a 'monster and coward.' The family also conveyed their feelings of guilt for not being able to protect her, lamenting that their worries about the bruises and signs of abuse had been ignored. They felt 'crippled' with guilt for not acting sooner to prevent the tragedy.
The case has left the community of Shotton Colliery in mourning, highlighting the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse. The court's verdict underscores the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of suspected child abuse, and the tragic loss of Maya Chappell serves as a stark reminder of the need for protective measures to safeguard vulnerable children.