A Wiltshire father who inflicted fatal head injuries on his three-month-old baby girl has been jailed for 14 years.
Samuel Warnock, 29, pleaded guilty to killing his daughter Miyah at Winchester Crown Court.
Her mother, Jasmine Warnock, 29, admitted a charge of child cruelty in relation to the tragic death.
Paramedics were called to Cornfield Road in Devizes on September 20, 2021. Miyah was rushed to Bristol Children’s Hospital in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead a month later – on October 19.
The tot was examined for natural causes of death, but none were found. Detectives were told that Miyah died as a result of a traumatic head injury – consistent with violent shaking or blunt force.
At Winchester Crown Court today (March 18), The Hon. Mrs Justice May jailed Warnock for 14 years.
His wife, Jasmine Warnock, was sentenced to a three-year community order and 30 days of rehabilitation.
In a short tribute to Miyah, grandparents Andrew and Michelle Rideout said: “Miyah was our princess. We are devastated by the loss of our granddaughter.
“We will never get over losing her.”
Det Con Katey Baker said: “This was an extensive, and at times, extremely complex investigation, which required in-depth medical examinations to be carried out.
“It was these examinations which revealed the true extent of what little Miyah had been through at the hands of her father – one of the people who Miyah should have felt most happy, safe and content in the care of.
“Miyah was so small and so vulnerable at just three months old – but I hope this case has gone some way in giving her the voice she never had.”
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Childe said: “Samuel Warnock inflicted injuries on his baby so serious that she went into cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of medical experts, died almost one month later in hospital.
“Her life was cut tragically short by her father.
“Her grandparents, who doted on Miyah have described her as a princess. I cannot imagine how difficult this time has been, and continues to be for them as doting grandparents.
“All officers and police staff involved in this case have been moved by the tragic circumstances of little Miyah.
“I would like to thank them for their determination to bring Miyah’s parents to justice.”
