Dad punched his daughter to death because she “would not stop crying” after mum went upstairs to sleep
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Evil dad Liam Deane has been jailed for life after punching his newborn baby girl to death because she "would not stop crying".
Violent Deane, 22, squeezed and punched his two-day-old daughter after losing his temper, the court heard.
Baby Luna suffered “catastrophic brain injuries” after her tired mum went upstairs to sleep and her dad was asked to look after her.
Michael Smith, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court the baby suffered injuries to her brain, body and face.
The prosecutor told the court: “He (Deane) said he was responsible for all of the injuries that she had suffered and he said that Luna had not settled down and he lost control.”
On July 17, two days after Luna was born, her mum Karen Bissett, 21, went upstairs at their home in Wakefield, West Yorks.
The following day she was told by Deane that Luna was struggling to breathe after falling in the night and hitting her head.
They called an ambulance and paramedics arrived to notice her face was badly swollen and bruised.
Luna was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she died in intensive care on July 14th, three days after the attack.
A doctor concluded Luna had died after suffering head trauma, leaving her with "catastrophic brain injuries."
Deane broke down when interviewed by police and admitted he was responsible for attacking the baby.
He admitted punching Luna to the face, squeezing her body and arms and shaking her.
(Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
Richard Wright, QC, representing Deane, said: "In my submission there is simply no explanation for the defendant's behaviour.
"His actions were wholly and utterly out of character for him.
"The defendant will have a very long time to reflect upon his terrible behaviour."
Mr Wright read a victim statement to the court on behalf of Luna's mother.
It stated: "Seeing Luna on life support in the hospital will last with me forever.
"I can't describe how that felt. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy."
Deane from Wakefield was given a life sentence and was told he must serve a minimum of ten years in prison.
The Recorder of Leeds, judge Peter Collier, QC, said: "You were caring for your two-day old child.
"She was crying. You yourself were no doubt stressed and tired but you lost your temper."
Detective Superintendent Jim Dunkerley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "This was an extremely tragic case where a newborn baby girl has lost her life before its even had chance to begin.
"Luna suffered an assault at the hands of one of the people who was responsible for her care and wellbeing. Her family has been torn apart by her death.
"Deane will now face life in prison as a result of his abhorrent actions and I hope the family can find some comfort in this verdict."