A father convicted of murdering his six-year-old daughter, who died from catastrophic injuries inflicted when she was a newborn, has been jailed for at least 17 years.

Kyle Kitchen, 38, was sentenced today at the Old Bailey after being found guilty of the murder of his daughter, Primrose Kane. The court heard that Kitchen violently shook his eight-week-old daughter and either hit her with something hard or threw her against a surface in November 2014, causing irreversible brain damage and a fractured skull.

A Lifetime of Pain

Primrose’s injuries left her profoundly disabled and in chronic pain for most of her short life. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, feeding issues, drug-resistant epilepsy, and was unable to communicate verbally. Despite her condition, she attended a special school in Plumstead, where she was described as “characterful” by her headteacher.

Primrose died on May 17, 2021, aged six, while under the care of her grandmother, Maria Kane, who had been looking after her since the assault. A post-mortem examination concluded that her death was a direct consequence of the traumatic head injury sustained as a baby.

The Shocking Incident

The fatal injuries were inflicted in November 2014 when Kitchen and Primrose’s mother, Kenzey Kane, were living together in Camden, north London. Kane called emergency services around 6 am on November 3, 2014, reporting that Primrose had become “floppy” and unresponsive after making unusual movements and sounds during the night.

Paramedics found Primrose unresponsive, with blood around her nose, and rushed her to the Royal Free Hospital, where a scan revealed severe brain injuries and a skull fracture. Despite extensive medical treatment, the damage was deemed irreversible.

Justice Delivered

Mr. Justice Murray, presiding over the sentencing, described the incident as an act of “catastrophic violence” that led to years of suffering and ultimately death. Kitchen was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years, of which he has already served nine years for the earlier assault conviction, meaning he will serve seven years, eight months, and 12 days more.

During the initial trial at Blackfriars Crown Court in 2014, Kitchen was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while Kenzey Kane was found guilty of causing or allowing serious injury to a child. Kitchen received an 18-year sentence, while Kane was sentenced to three-and-a-half years.

Domestic Abuse and Violence

The court also heard that the couple’s relationship was volatile and marked by domestic violence. In September 2014, just weeks before the assault, Kitchen was cautioned for attacking Kane while she held their newborn daughter. He reportedly resented the attention the baby received from Kane, even calling Primrose a “greedy ct”** in a text message days before the assault.

Kitchen’s jealous and violent behavior was highlighted in the Channel 5 documentary “The Accused” in 2017, where Kane disclosed how he admitted that Primrose was not safe in his care.

A Mother’s Struggle and a Family’s Loss

Despite the hardships, Primrose’s grandmother, Maria Kane, dedicated herself to caring for the child. On the night of May 16, 2021, Primrose slept alongside her grandmother as usual, but by morning, Maria noticed her granddaughter’s breathing had stopped. Paramedics pronounced her dead at 5:23 am.

Prosecutor Jennifer Knight KC described the case as deeply tragic, emphasizing the profound suffering Primrose endured throughout her life.

Public Reaction and Community Support

The tragic story has sparked outrage and grief on social media, with many expressing sympathy for Primrose and condemning the actions of her father. Advocacy groups are calling for greater awareness of domestic violence and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.

A statement from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) read:

“This heart-wrenching case highlights the devastating impact of violence within the home. Every child deserves to feel safe and loved, and we must continue to support families and intervene when warning signs arise.”

If You Need Help

Anyone experiencing domestic violence or concerned about a child’s safety is urged to contact NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247.

Kitchen’s conviction brings some measure of justice for Primrose, but the loss felt by those who knew and loved her remains immeasurable.

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