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Jasmine Galyer

Man jailed for step-daughter death

'Social services had been involved with the baby’s family for four years'

BBC News On-line January 23, 2004

The stepfather of a three-year-old girl has been jailed for eight years after shaking her to death.

Stuart Pirie, 32, of Ripon Close, Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Jasmine Galyer after abusing her over a 13-month period.

Hull Crown Court heard how Pirie shook Jasmine after she wet the bed, causing brain injuries equivalent to a child being involved in a car crash.

Mother Melissa Galyer, 21, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for cruelty.

The court heard that Jasmine was taken to Scunthorpe General Hospital on 5 February.

Pirie had told paramedics that Jasmine had fallen in the bathroom, though doctors immediately recognised she had suffered critical injuries.

The youngster died during surgery after being transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital.

Doctors found 51 bruises on her body more than 24 hours old and eight recently inflicted.

Judge Michael Mettyear, sentencing, said Pirie was inhumane and had no excuse for his violent bullying.

He added that factors such as her low IQ and learning difficulties partially explained Galyer's attitude towards her daughter - but did not excuse it.

Case review

"Prior to the abuse that you two heaped upon her she was a bright, happy beautiful girl," the judge said.

Pirie also admitted a charge of child cruelty and was sentenced to four years to run concurrently.

A case review is now under way at North Lincolnshire social services after it emerged a social worker visited the family in January 2003.

Neighbours had reported Pirie's behaviour towards Jasmine but she was not placed on the risk register.