Dad jailed for manslaughter of three-month-old daughter

Samuel Warnock, of Cornfield Road in Devizes, will spend the next 14 years behind bars after admitting to the manslaughter of baby Miyah.

The 29-year-old appeared at Swindon Crown Court for sentencing on Monday after pleading guilty in January.

The infant’s mum Jasmine, 29, from the same address, received a three-year community order and up to 30 rehabilitation activity days after pleading guilty to one charge of child cruelty.

Emergency services responded to calls from the couple’s address on September 20, 2021, about medical concerns for Miyah.

They took her to Bristol Children’s Hospital but she died on October 19. Extensive medical examinations ruled out natural causes and concluded that a traumatic head injury consistent with violent shaking or blunt force had caused her death.

Samuel Warnock (Image: Wiltshire Police)

The baby’s heartbroken grandparents described Miyah as their “princess”.

Det Con Katey Baker said: “This was an extensive, and at times, extremely complex investigation, which required in-depth medical examinations to be carried out.

“It was these examinations which revealed the true extent of what little Miyah had been through at the hands of her father – one of the people who Miyah should have felt most happy, safe and content in the care of.

“Miyah was so small and so vulnerable at just three months old, but I hope this case has gone some way in giving her the voice she never had.”

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Childe said: “Samuel Warnock inflicted injuries on his baby so serious that she went into cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of medical experts, died almost one month later in hospital.

“Her life was cut tragically short by her father. Her grandparents, who doted on Miyah have described her as a princess.

“I cannot imagine how difficult this time has been and continues to be for them as doting grandparents.

“All officers and police staff involved in this case have been moved by the tragic circumstances of little Miyah.

“I would like to thank them for their determination to bring Miyah’s parents to justice.”

In a short tribute to Miyah, her grandparents Andrew and Michelle Rideout said: “Miyah was our princess. We are devastated by the loss of our granddaughter.

“We will never get over losing her.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Warnock’s reckless, cruel and abusive actions directly led to Miyah’s tragic death. Our thoughts are with those who loved and cared for Miyah, who have lost her in such a heartbreaking way.

“It is vital that anyone with concerns for a child’s safety or welfare contacts either the police, the local authorities, or the NSPCC Helpline, so that help can be provided and children protected from harm.

“The NSPCC Helpline is available for advice and support for adults with a concern about a child, on 0808 800 5000 or at help@nspcc.org.uk 

"Children can contact Childline at any time of the day or night on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk"