Man jailed for life for murdering young daughter

Kyle Kitchen had already served nearly seven years in prison when he was convicted of murder in March

A man has been jailed for life for murdering his daughter by assaulting her in a "moment of anger and frustration", which led to her death six years later.

Kyle Kitchen, 38, caused catastrophic injuries to Primrose Kane in November 2014 when she was eight weeks old, the Old Bailey heard.

She suffered a skull fracture and brain damage, leaving her disabled and in constant pain. She died in May 2021.

Kitchen, who was serving a 15-year jail term for assaulting Primrose, was convicted of her murder in March. On Wednesday, he received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. Due to the time he has already served in prison, Kitchen will be eligible for parole in seven years and eight months.

Parents could not explain injuries

Primrose lived with her parents in a bedsit in Camden, north London.

Shortly before 0600 GMT on 3 November 2014, her mother Kenzey Kane called 111 to report that Primrose had gone "floppy" and would not wake up.

A scan revealed that Primrose had suffered a skull fracture and serious brain injury.

Her parents could not explain how she sustained the injuries and Primrose was put into the care of her maternal grandmother when she left hospital.

Over time, Primrose developed multiple problems related to her brain injury, including cerebral palsy, feeding issues, an inability to communicate verbally and drug-resistant epilepsy.

Following her death, a post-mortem examination concluded it was the consequence of the traumatic head injury she had sustained as a baby.

Kitchen was serving a sentence for causing GBH with intent to Primrose when he was charged with her murder

Sentencing Kitchen, Mr Justice Murray noted he had a history of domestic violence towards Ms Kane - who was previously jailed for three and a half years for causing or allowing serious injury to a child.

Mr Justice Murray said: "I am sure that the incident in which you shook Primrose and caused her skull fracture occurred suddenly and without premeditation in a moment of anger and frustration."

In mitigation, Jane Bickerstaff KC said Kitchen "loved that little girl" and her death was a "cross he will have to bear for the rest of his life".

Kirsty O'Connor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said she was pleased with the sentence, which she said held Kitchen accountable for "Primrose's premature death and the pain she endured during her short life".