Man gets 12 years for torturing and killing toddler

A MAN who tortured and killed his partner’s toddler was yesterday jailed for 12 years.

Daniel Bishop, 27, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of two-year-old Lois, the daughter of Sarah Bishop, 29, at the home they shared in Caerphilly, Wales.

He also pleaded guilty to causing the girl grievous bodily harm with intent and child cruelty.

Sarah Bishop, who admitted child neglect in respect of her daughter who she failed to seek medical attention for, was sentenced to six years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court.

In a statement after the sentencing, Sarah Bishop’s mother, Shereen Murphy, said: “Now that sentencing has been passed and justice for my granddaughter has hopefully been done, I would like to ask people to please spare a thought for my other family members, especially my children and grandchildren, and allow us to rebuild our lives after this horrendous tragedy which we have been living for the past three years.

“We would all like to seek closure on this episode.”

Judge Nicholas Cooke QC said: “There are some cases in which judges have to pass heavy sentences in order to express public revulsion to acts that have been committed and to protect future potential victims. This is such a case.

“Small and defenceless children have to be protected, and those who cause them serious injury need to know if they are caught the punishment will be severe.

“Mothers who fail to discharge their duty by protecting their children need to know heavy sentencing will follow if called to account.”

John Charles Rees QC, prosecuting, described the abuse suffered by Lois as “sadistic”. The court heard 13 fractures were inflicted on Lois’s body in the last six weeks of her life.

She also had wounds on the sole of her left foot, where Daniel Bishop had held her over a cooker hob at about 150C, and crushing injuries to her hand.

Mr Rees said the child had suffered “excruciating” pain, leading to “very significant” disability.

She died from brain damage on November 8, 2004, sustained when she was shaken by Daniel Bishop.