LEE DAVISON SENTENCED IN PONTEFRACT FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF BABY KRISTAL

In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Pontefract, a father named Lee Davison has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the death of his seven-week-old daughter, Kristal. The heartbreaking incident unfolded in April of the previous year, when Kristal was rushed to hospital after her parents called emergency services, reporting that she was struggling to breathe.

Medical examinations revealed a horrifying array of injuries that painted a chilling picture of sustained abuse. The infant was found to have bleeding behind her eyes, significant brain damage, and multiple broken ribs and leg bones. These injuries indicated that Kristal had been subjected to severe physical trauma over a period of time, with evidence suggesting she was hurt on at least five separate occasions.

Lee Davison, aged 29 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of his daughter Kristal. The court proceedings, held at Leeds Crown Court, revealed the extent of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding her death. On the morning of April 12, 2013, Davison called emergency services claiming that Kristal was gasping for air at their residence in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. When paramedics arrived, they found the baby pale, limp, and unresponsive. Despite efforts to save her, Kristal succumbed to her injuries the following day.

During the sentencing, Mr. Justice Andrew Smith addressed Davison directly, emphasizing that although he could not definitively state that Davison had personally inflicted all the injuries, he had failed in his duty to protect his vulnerable child. The judge pointed out that Davison, who had a history of 11 previous convictions for 15 offences, must have been aware of Kristal’s suffering and neglect. The court was told that Davison’s failure to act or intervene was a form of culpability that contributed to her death.

In his remarks, the judge highlighted the severity of the injuries sustained by Kristal. He detailed that in the first three weeks of her life, she suffered damage to her femur and head, which caused bleeding behind her eyes. The injuries indicated a pattern of ongoing abuse, with the 'chilling catalogue of injuries' suggesting she was hurt on at least five separate occasions. The court also heard that Kristal’s injuries included 12 fractured ribs, likely caused by squeezing her under the arms in a fit of anger, and a broken skull, which pointed to a blow or impact to her head. The injuries were consistent with shaking and blunt force trauma.

Davison’s partner, Jessica Hopkinson, was also involved in the case but was cleared of the same charges after a four-week trial. The court noted that Hopkinson was the dominant figure in the household and had a history of abusive behavior towards her partner, who was nearly ten years her junior. The judge described her as a young woman with little confidence in her role as a mother, and he acknowledged that Davison was sometimes violent and abusive towards her. Despite this, the judge believed that Davison did have some genuine affection for Kristal and was pleased with her birth, although his failure to protect her ultimately led to her tragic death.

Further background revealed that Davison had a troubled history of violence. He had previously been given community orders following assaults on former partners, including a headbutt that rendered a woman unconscious and a violent attack that resulted in broken ribs. His criminal record included convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault, dating back to when he was 20 years old. These prior offences underscored a pattern of violent behavior that cast a shadow over his recent actions.

Judge Smith concluded his sentencing by emphasizing the importance of reflecting Kristal’s suffering in Davison’s punishment. He stated that if Davison had taken responsibility and protected his daughter, she might still be alive today. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and violence towards the most vulnerable members of society.