Amelia Crichton murder: Mum sentenced to life imprisonment

Leyland mum Jennifer Crichton was on Wednesday also sentenced for child neglect and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent on another child some years ago.

Her daughter, seven-month-old Amelia Crichton, died at Royal Manchester Children’s hospital two days after being admitted to hospital in April last year.

Murdering mum's past revealed as jury convicts her of historic attack on a child

Jennifer Crichton rang 999 in the early hours of April 19 saying that Amelia was not breathing. She was alone with Amelia at the time, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

A care support worker had left their house 80 minutes earlier when Amelia appeared to be fine.

A post-mortem examination concluded that she had died as a result of head injuries.

Brett Gerrity from the CPS said: “Amelia Crichton was a small, defenceless baby who suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of her mother, who should have been caring for her and ensuring she didn’t come to any harm.

“Jennifer Crichton denied any responsibility for her death, even blaming an innocent person, until four weeks into the trial when she pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

"We did not accept the plea as we were satisfied that the injuries which led to her death were deliberately inflicted.

"The jury having heard the evidence agreed and convicted her of murder. Jennifer Crichton has shown no remorse and during the trial refused to explain to the jury how Amelia was fatally injured.

“This was a difficult and complex case that involved a large amount of evidence from a number of medical experts. The CPS worked very closely with investigators and prosecuting counsel in reviewing the case and clearly presenting this evidence to the jury. Our thoughts go to Amelia's family and we hope today's sentence brings them some sense of justice."