PARENTS JAILED FOR CAUSING OR ALLOWING TODDLER'S DEATH IN NELSON
The parents of eight-day-old Ava Grace Nolan, Daniel Nolan and Sophie Nash, who was shaken to death at her home in Nelson, have been sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison.Daniel Nolan, 30, received a sentence of 10 years, while Sophie Nash, 31, was sentenced to eight years for causing or allowing the death of their newborn daughter.
They were also convicted for two counts of causing or allowing serious injury to Ava—an earlier brain injury and a fractured femur—and a charge of cruelty by wilful neglect.
READ MORE: Parents of baby Ava Grace Nolan given long prison sentences for allowing her death.
More than four years after Ava was tragically killed, justice was finally served.
During the court proceedings, Mr Justice Spencer commented: "You (Nolan) were well aware of the deterioration in your relationship with Sophie Nash and of your increasing loss of temper and tendency to violence, which put Ava at risk.
You were equally aware of her capacity for violent outbursts.
You were claiming her carer's allowance.
You were as bad as each other.
You each gave as good as you got.
The conditions in Nelson were poor but you did little, if anything, to improve them, and despite the distance from Manchester, your mother and stepfather were still providing a great deal of support for your first daughter to ease the pressure on you." The judge noted neither parent showed genuine remorse.
The trial revealed a toxic relationship, with each blaming the other for the injuries inflicted on Ava.
Despite a very hostile defense, they continued living together until bail conditions required them to stay apart.
Mr Justice Spencer also highlighted their personal preoccupations, including plans for marriage and sentimental celebrations, which he deemed inappropriate given their circumstances.
Additional sentences included three years each for causing or allowing the brain injury, 18 months for the fractured femur, and 12 months for neglect.
Nolan was visibly emotional, bursting into tears as he was led to begin his sentence, while Nash remained stoic.
The court's decision underscores the tragic end of a vulnerable child's life due to parental neglect and violence.
