A stepmother who killed her five-year-old stepdaughter by forcing her into a scalding hot bath nearly five decades ago has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. Janice Nix, 67, was convicted of manslaughter after new evidence emerged in 2022.
The Crime
Andrea Bernard died at the family home in Thornton Heath, south London, on June 6, 1978. The court heard that Nix, then known as Janice Thomas, forced the child into a bath of scalding water after the girl disobeyed instructions to stay home and help clean. Andrea pleaded, 'the bath is too hot, mummy,' but Nix, described as 'furious,' beat her and forced her in.
Andrea's brother, Desmond Bernard, testified that he heard his sister's cries and then screaming and splashing before silence. He then heard Nix calling Andrea to 'wake up, wake up.' Mr. Bernard, now 56, tearfully recounted seeing Nix cradling Andrea, who was 'limp' and wrapped in a towel, with 'skin falling off her.'
Investigation and Trial
Andrea's death was initially treated as an accident until her brother contacted police in 2022 with a new account. Nix was arrested at Heathrow Airport on February 18, 2025, after arriving from Antigua. She denied charges of manslaughter and child cruelty but was found guilty in May 2026.
Nix was also convicted of cruelty to Andrea's brother Desmond between October 1975 and June 1978. The court heard that Mr. Bernard had initially described the death as an accident because he feared further beatings from Nix.
Sentencing
On June 19, 2026, Nix was jailed for 12 years for manslaughter. The judge noted the horrific nature of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim's family. Nix wept in court as the verdict was read.
