Father admits involvement in the death of his three-month-old daughter

A County Durham father has admitted involvement in the death of his three-month-old baby girl.

Skylar Cowan Gallagher was found unconscious with no heartbeat whenparamedics were called to a house in June.

She was taken to the University hospital of North Tees but could not be saved.

Her father Stephen Gallagher, of Hepscott Avenue, Blackhall Colliery, was initially charged with her manslaughter.

During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court the 35-year-old admitted a charge of causing or allowing the death of a child, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Gallagher will be sentenced in November and was given conditional bail inthe meantime.

Judge Paul Sloan QC warned him: "You must understand, the fact I amadjourning sentence and the fact I am directing the preparation of a pre-sentence report is no indication of sentence.

"Sentence will be a matter for the judge who hears the case in November."

No details of Gallagher's basis of plea were outlined during the shorthearing.