Blackpool man gets life sentence for murdering baby daughter
Last updated 30th Jul 2021
A man from Blackpool has been sentenced after being convicted of killing his baby daughter.
Jordan Lee, formerly of Onslow Road, was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years after being found guilty of the murder of four-month-old Willow Lee at Preston Crown Court yesterday (29th July).
Baby Willow was found seriously injured at their home back on December 3rd and was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital before being transferred to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
She died three days later on Sunday, December 6th.
The 29-year-old was initially charged with attempted murder when police launched their investigation but was charger with murder following her death.
Willow death's was found to be a direct consequence of a traumatic head injury according to a Home Office pathologist who also said the injury was consistent with forceful shaking and probable impact to the head.
Lee had claimed in police interview that Willow had fallen from the sofa, but further pathological findings showed her injuries were consistent with severe trauma, far beyond what could be caused by a trivial childhood accident.
As the medical evidence emerged he modified his account of what happened, claiming that a second accident had occurred as he carried Willow upstairs after the original fall.
Willow had also suffered extensive bruising to her ear, face and arm, that the pathologist said was likely a result of gripping, pinching or squeezing, punching or slapping. These injuries would have caused immense pain and suffering.
Prior to the assault Lee had been heard shouting at Willow, telling her to “shut up”.
Det Insp Mark Dickinson, of the Lancashire Police Force Major Investigation Team, said:
“Willow Lee was a four-month-old baby who died at the hands of someone who should have protected her – her father, Jordan Lee.
“Lee carried out a horrendous series of assaults on his daughter, leaving her with catastrophic head injuries. These injuries led to her death three days later.
“Since then Lee has refused to admit his guilt, claiming repeatedly that Willow fell from the sofa. As the medical evidence emerged, he modified his account, claiming that another accident occurred as he carried Willow upstairs after the original fall.
“Thankfully the jury saw through his lies and he has now been found guilty of and sentenced for Willow’s murder.
“Willow’s mother and wider family have been left utterly heartbroken by her death and I have no doubt they will never fully recover from this horrendous loss. They have also been forced through the ordeal of giving evidence at trial. I can only commend them for the dignified way in which they have conducted themselves. I hope the result from court today gives them some comfort.
“Lee himself is now facing a long custodial sentence and I hope he will use this time to reflect on the damage he has caused to so many lives.”
Jade Bell, Willow’s mother, said: “Willow was such a beautiful happy baby that had the best cheeky smile, and that smile would always cheer you up and light up the room.
We all miss her dearly and there are not enough words to express that. To have lost her at such a young age and in the way we have has impacted myself and my family so much and my life will never be the same without my blue-eyed angel.
“The first time anyone met her they instantly fell in love; she was always so happy and smiley. I will always remember the amazing times I had with Willow and how she changed my life. I could talk about her forever and how she will always be my perfect baby and forever my Willow Grace."