Menu

Woman jailed for killing her seven-month-old baby daughter

Posted on - 11th April, 2018 - 3:22pm | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Preston News
Jennifer Crichton
Jennifer Crichton

A woman who murdered her seven-month old daughter has been jailed for life.

Jennifer Crichton was convicted in February after a trial at Preston Crown Court.

The 35-year-old, of Slater Lane, Leyland, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to a minimum term in prison of 21 years and six months for murder.

She was also given 11 years for three assaults and nine months for neglect. Her sentences run concurrently.

Lancashire Police were called to the address in Leyland in the early hours of Wednesday 19 April last year.

Baby Amelia Crichton had been found unresponsive by the North West Ambulance Service.

Baby Amelia
Baby Amelia

She suffered a cardiac arrest and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital. She was later transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital where she died two days later.

A post mortem showed Amelia died as a result of head injuries.

Read more: Preston men among nine jailed for prostitution and human trafficking

What police had to say

Detective Simon Cheyte said: “I am satisfied with the sentence which reflects the gravity of Jennifer Crichton’s offences.

“Jennifer Crichton has never given a satisfactory account of what happened at the address on that fateful night and we may never know exactly what happened which led to Amelia’s injuries. What is clear is that that she suffered catastrophic and deliberate injuries which she could not survive and the only person who could have caused those injuries is Jennifer Crichton.

“The person who should not be forgotten in this is Amelia. She should have been able to look to her mother for the protection and love of a parent. Instead this defenceless child found herself subjected to horrendous abuse and the injuries which led to her death.

“My thoughts remain with the wider family of baby Amelia, and the other victim, who have been through so much over the last year. I hope that this sentence can offer them some comfort as they try to move on with their lives.

“Getting to this point has been a great team effort from all involved and I am pleased that we have got justice for Amelia and finally for the other child after all these years.”

Lancashire County Council’s response

County Councillor Susie Charles, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “Amelia’s death was a horrific tragedy.

“Now that the court case and sentencing have concluded, Lancashire Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) will continue its Serious Case Review (SCR) to find out what the organisations involved can learn.

“We’ll provide information about the county council’s involvement as part of the SCR and work with LSCB if they identify any areas where we can improve our practices.”

Share
Preston in pictures Sentinel Shunter Ribble Rail Sentinel 33027 Jim MartinThe Old Taxi Rank, Preston Bus StationPreston Market at night.Preston Bus StationPreston Bus StationPreston - former Martins Bank, 181 Friargate 241019 2 View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails