Dad inflicted ‘catastrophic’ head injury killing five-week-old baby on Mother’s Day

A father inflicted 47 rib fractures and fatal head injuries on his five-week-old baby daughter in a horrifying campaign of abuse.

Sean Jefferson was found guilty of murdering Darcy-Leigh at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.

Darcy’s mother, Amy Leigh Clark, 34, of Lichfield, was found guilty of allowing the death of a child but had murder charges dropped.

Police were called by paramedics on Mother’s Day 2022 after baby Darcy was found collapsed with fatal injuries at her home in Burntwood.

Jefferson and Clark were both arrested the next day. Sadly, Darcy died in hospital days later.

The investigation found Darcy had died as a result of a catastrophic head injury.

A police spokesperson said: ‘This was not an isolated incident of the physical abuse Darcy was subjected to.

‘Throughout the five weeks of her short life, she was physically assaulted on a repeated basis.

‘By the time she died, she sustained 47 rib fractures, and both her legs were fractured.

‘These fractures occurred on at least three separate occasions. These were not the only injuries cruelly inflicted on Darcy.’

DCI Ian Fitzgerald, added: ‘Today’s verdict concludes a profoundly distressing case involving the murder of five-week-old Darcy. Her short life and tragic death must not be forgotten.

‘Darcy was violently abused and murdered by her father. Her mother allowed her death. These were the people who should have loved and cared for her. It was despicable behaviour against a defenceless child.

‘It has been an exceptionally difficult investigation, and the thoughts of the entire investigation team remain with her elder sibling, who has faced an unimaginable loss and a lengthy judicial process.

‘I wish to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of the officers and staff who have worked so tirelessly on this case, but also the CPS prosecutor and barristers, Harpreet Sandhu Kings Counsel and Joshua Purser.’

Sean Jefferson, 35, of Walsall, was found guilty of murder at Stafford Crown Court following the eight-week trial.

He was also found guilty of causing/allowing the death of a child and two counts of Section 18 – grievous bodily harm with intent.

The baby’s mother, Amy Leigh Clark, 34, of Lichfield, was found also guilty of allowing the death of a child.

Jefferson and Clark are due to be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court later this year.

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