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A 25-year-old father has been found guilty of murdering his five-week-old daughter, following a three-week trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
Thomas Holford, of St Fabian’s Drive, Chelmsford, was convicted today (3 July) of murdering baby Everleigh Stroud, who sustained catastrophic injuries after being left in her father’s care on the night of 21 April 2021.
Emergency services were called to an address in Ramsgate that morning after reports the baby was struggling to cry and unresponsive. She was found with visible bruising across her face and rushed to hospital.
Everleigh’s Injuries and Death
Medical experts found that Everleigh had suffered:
- A large brain bleed
- Additional non-accidental injuries
- Evidence of violent shaking
Despite receiving prolonged medical care, Everleigh died in hospital on 27 May 2022, aged just one year and one month. She had never recovered from the trauma inflicted at five weeks old.
Trial and Verdict
Holford, then 24, was arrested at the scene by Kent Police and later charged with murder. He denied murder, instead pleading guilty to manslaughter. However, a jury found him guilty of murder today after hearing detailed medical and forensic evidence during a three-week trial.
He is due to be sentenced tomorrow (Friday 4 July).
Police Condemn Holford’s Actions
Detective Inspector Ross Gurden, senior investigating officer, said:
"The tragic circumstances of what happened that night, and the following series of events for the family of little Everleigh, means this has been an extremely difficult time for them.
Through the investigation, Thomas Holford has failed to tell the truth and accept responsibility for his actions. He will now be facing a long custodial sentence.
My thoughts and wishes remain with the victim’s family and I thank them for their continued strength and support throughout the investigation."
This conviction marks one of the most disturbing child homicide cases in Kent in recent years.
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