Life for father who stabbed baby daughter to death

A 27-year-old father has been sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of his baby daughter in April of last year.

Derek Hickey of Penrose House, Newbridge, Co Kildare, pleaded guilty to murdering three-and-a-half month old Leilah Sophie Hickey on April 30, 2000.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Leilah's mother, Sinead Smullen on the same date, causing her harm.

The child was found, believed to have been stabbed to death, at the family home after her mother was spotted lying injured on Main St in the town.

Ms Smullen was transferred to Naas General Hospital and then to St James' Hospital in Dublin to recover from her injuries.

Hickey was later arrested and remanded in custody until today.

Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed a mandatory life sentence to be backdate from the day of his arrest.

Sentencing for the assault charge will take place on July 13 next.