Richard Green (left) and Natalie Critchley (right) face prison for the death of their daughter Lia

A mother and father from the city have been sent to jail following the death of their daughter three-year-old Lia Green.

Richard Green will face seven years in prison and his partner Natalie Critchley was given a custodial sentence of one year and nine months.

23-year-old Green, of Harling Road, had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter after Lia was found to have died from a blunt force trauma to her abdomen area.

A pathologist told police the injuries were caused as a result of the toddler being subjected to a ‘significant act of violence’.

Her mother, 21-year-old Natalie, of Norris Street, was found guilty of child neglect during the trial.

Lia Green’s death shocked the local community

A major inquiry was opened following the death, after an ambulance was called to the family home on Norris Street on Thursday 30 August. Lia was taken to hospital but died shortly after arrival.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy from the Force Major Investigation Team said: “The sentences reflect the severity of the crimes committed but no punishment served will ever bring little Lia back.

“Both Richard Green and Natalie Critchley will have time to reflect on their actions, actions that led to the death of their own child.

“This was a complex and difficult case to investigate and we were determined to get to the bottom of what happened. I would like to express my thanks to the Crown Prosecution Service for their work on the case and today, the thoughts of the investigation team are with Lia.”

View the Lancashire Evening Post’s report from court, with the judges comments as he sent them down.