DUDLEY FATHER PHILIP PEACE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BABY DAUGHTER'S MURDER IN HEATH GREEN

In a tragic case that has shocked the Dudley community, Philip Peace, a 43-year-old father from Himley Road, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his five-month-old daughter, Summer Peace. The court heard that Peace was found guilty after a detailed trial that revealed the brutal circumstances leading to the infant’s death.

On September 8, 2017, Peace was left alone with Summer at their residence in Heath Green. During this afternoon, he reported to emergency services that his daughter had suddenly become unresponsive. Paramedics arrived swiftly at the scene, attempting to resuscitate the young girl, but despite their efforts, her condition was dire. She was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where medical staff fought valiantly to save her life. Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and her life support was withdrawn the following day, as doctors confirmed that her injuries were fatal.

The trial, which lasted five weeks, brought to light disturbing evidence of the injuries Summer had sustained. Medical experts testified that her injuries were consistent with being shaken violently and then thrown against a semi-hard surface, such as a sofa. These injuries included fractured ribs, retinal bleeding, and a catastrophic brain injury. The brain injury was so severe that it caused her immediate respiratory failure, leading to her collapse on September 8, 2017.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the incident occurred within a brief two-minute window, during which Peace experienced a momentary loss of temper. The events unfolded shortly after 4 pm, during a period when Summer was crying loudly, making it difficult for Peace and a phone caller to hear each other. According to the judge, Mr. Justice Linden, Peace had a heated exchange with the caller, during which he claimed Summer had collapsed and was not breathing properly. The judge stated that the jury concluded that between these two phone calls, Peace had snapped and violently shook Summer, causing her head to move on the axis between her skull and neck with enough force to damage her brain stem, which controls vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Following the incident, Peace called emergency services and performed chest compressions while paramedics rushed to his home. The judge praised the paramedics’ response, describing their work as “exemplary,” noting they arrived just three minutes after the 999 call. Despite their efforts, Summer’s injuries proved fatal.

In sentencing, Mr. Justice Linden acknowledged that Peace’s actions were out of character and that he did not intend to kill his daughter. However, the jury had found that he intended to cause serious injuries. The judge stated, “What you have done will cast a long shadow over you and your family for the rest of your life.” The court initially considered a starting point of 15 years but, after weighing aggravating and mitigating factors, sentenced Peace to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years before eligibility for parole.

Today’s verdict marks a tragic chapter in Dudley’s history, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence against vulnerable infants. The community mourns the loss of Summer Peace, a happy and healthy baby who was taken from her family in a moment of violence that will be remembered for years to come.