Devizes man jailed for 14 years for manslaughter of baby daughter

A Devizes man has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his three month old baby daughter.

Samuel Warnock, 29, formerly of Cornfield Road, pleaded guilty back in January to the manslaughter of little Miyah.

Miyah’s mum Jasmine, 29, also formerly of Cornfield Road, was sentenced to a three year community order and 30 days rehabilitation after pleading guilty to child cruelty.

On September 20, 2021, emergency services were called to the couple’s address due to medical concerns regarding baby Miyah.

Miyah was taken to Bristol Children’s Hospital but sadly died on October 19.

Extensive medical examinations were carried out which ruled out any natural causes and concluded that Miyah died as a result of a traumatic head injury consistent with violent shaking or blunt force.

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, 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.”