Man found guilty of killing a toddler

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that Brandon Heath, of no fixed abode, inflicted a fatal, massive brain injury on the infant on 30 August 2020 in Northwich.

He called the emergency services at 9.41am in the morning,  claiming that the child was unresponsive. She was limp and struggling to breathe but he said he didn’t know why.           

Heath had been looking after the child as her mother was out, giving her friend a lift to work.  

Heath gave the 999 operator, then the paramedics and the police, a variety of explanations for what had happened. His story changed several times. But he was certain he had done nothing to cause the child’s problems.  

The air ambulance was called and on arrival, the doctor concluded that it was highly likely that the child had suffered a severe brain injury. She was taken to Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool where she was operated on but all efforts to keep her alive proved fruitless. She was pronounced dead at 7.45pm on 31 August.             

Brandon Heath had been interviewed by police officers at the time and after the child had died. He was finally arrested on 21 July 2021 and charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty. A jury at Chester Crown Court today (3 March 2022) found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. He will be sentenced on 8 March 2022.

Senior Crown prosecutor Nicky Inskip, said: “This toddler did not suffer brain damage and death through some dreadful disease or a road traffic accident.  

“The Crown Prosecution Service said she died as a result of violence inflicted upon her by Brandon Heath, the man who had been left caring for her.              

“He claimed he didn’t know what had happened to her but medical experts who saw the child before and after her death concluded that the many injuries on this little girl’s body were not accidental and the severe injury to her head had led to her death.   

“Brandon Heath maintained his innocence throughout, dragging her parents through a trial. The jury have seen through his lies and found him guilty of killing her. Our thoughts remain with the child’s family. We would like to thank them and the witnesses for their help in bringing this prosecution.”

Pictured - Brandon Heath, of no fixed abode.