22/02/2010

Prison For Baby Killer Father

A father has been jailed for 16 years for the murder of his baby daughter.

Olusola Akinrele, 34, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday 19 February after previously being found guilty of murder.

Seven-week-old Leeya was admitted to hospital on 18 December 2006, and died 12 days later after her life-support machine was turned off.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim McCrorie, of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: "Baby Leeya suffered throughout her short life and had a traumatic death at the hands of her father.

"This is a truly horrendous crime which Ankinrele has continuously denied, refusing to accept his guilt.

"Every child has the right to be protected and feel safe in their own home and it is a parent's responsibility to ensure this is the case."

He said Leeya had been let down by the man who should have been protecting her.

"This was a long and complex case and I would like to thank all the experts involved who helped to secure this prosecution. In particular the invaluable assistance we received from colleagues in the medical profession and for their commitment to this case."

DCI McCrorie said that although this type of crime is very unusual, the wider community has felt the pain of the loss.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that offenders are identified and effectively brought to justice and I am pleased that this has happened in this case," he added.

(PR/BMcC)

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