MAN SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR BABY SHAKING MANSLAUGHTER IN EAST SUSSEX
A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the manslaughter of his five-week-old daughter, Aimee-Rose.The incident occurred after Sandland became frustrated with her crying while he was playing a video game.
He picked up the baby and shook her in a sudden loss of temper.
Sandland, of St Leonards, East Sussex, denied murder due to lack of intent but admitted to manslaughter.
The court was told he tried to lie about the circumstances, claiming he had a seizure and found the baby under him, but the judge rejected this explanation, stating Sandland lied to cover up that he had inflicted the injuries.
Police found a PlayStation game controller on his sofa and noted that his internet history showed he was viewing tips for the game Assassin's Creed 3 shortly before calling emergency services.
The injuries included bruising on her face, chest, abdomen, hips, and lower limbs, along with hemorrhages.
Sandland was observed to look 'panicked and anxious' at the scene and falsely claimed he had a fit.
The court heard Aimee-Rose was taken to hospital unconscious and died four days later.
Judge Mr.
Justice Sweeney described how Sandland lost his temper, violently shook her, and then lied to authorities and emergency personnel about what happened.
Despite the inability to identify the precise details, the injuries clearly indicated violence.
The judge made clear that Sandland's actions lacked premeditation, and he sought help during the incident, although his subsequent lies were considered deliberate.
Sandland will serve half of his prison term before being released on licence.
