A 49-year-old father has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years after admitting to the brutal murder of his 12-year-old daughter in their family home.
The horrific incident unfolded in February when emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing at a residential property. Upon arrival, they discovered the young victim with fatal injuries, despite paramedics' desperate attempts to save her life.
A Family Tragedy Unfolds
During the emotional sentencing at Manchester Crown Court, it was revealed that the father had called emergency services himself following the attack. Prosecutors described how he made "a number of admissions" about what he had done to his daughter during that call.
When police arrived at the scene, they found the defendant covered in blood, calmly stating: "I've killed my daughter." The murder weapon, a knife from the family kitchen, was recovered nearby.
Mental Health Considerations
The court heard that the father had been experiencing significant mental health issues at the time of the killing. His defence team argued that his mental state had substantially impaired his responsibility for the crime.
However, Mr Justice Goose, presiding over the case, emphasised that while mental health played a role, the defendant's actions represented "a very serious example of manslaughter." The judge noted the particular vulnerability of the victim and the breach of trust inherent in the crime.
Community Impact and Sentencing
In a powerful victim impact statement, the girl's mother described her daughter as "a beautiful, kind and caring girl" whose life was brutally cut short. She spoke of the unimaginable pain and lifelong sentence the family now endures.
The judge imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years, meaning the defendant will serve at least 18 years in prison before being considered for parole. Even if released, he will remain on licence for the rest of his life.
This tragic case has raised serious questions about mental health support systems and child protection measures within family environments.
