From Best Friend to Prosecution Witness - Naomi Pantall 'Disgusted' by Child Killer Kathryn Smith

When Naomi Pantall moved in to a flat in Swadlincote in Derbyshire in September 2013 she could not have known it would lead to an appearance as a witness in the prosecution of a child murderer.

Kathryn Smith lived down the hall. Her one year old daughter Ayeeshia Jane - who she called AJ - was living with foster parents. The two became friends but Naomi didn't trust Smith, who she called "manipulative".

She told ITV News Central:

Naomi was surprised when AJ was returned to her mother in October 2013. She felt the tiny flat was no place for a child. She said:

But Ayeeshia was given back to Smith. And Naomi said the rapid deterioration in AJ's health that followed her return was obvious.

As well as neglect Naomi witnessed frequent instances of physical abuse. "It wasn't a tap and it wasn't a slap," she said. "It was like a belt. To the point where you can see the shape of a hand on the face or on her bum or her legs."

Derbyshire County Council said it is conducting a serious case review which will consider new information that has emerged during the trial. Naomi is now haunted by a feeling she could have done more for AJ.

Naomi says she now regrets not going to social services with her concerns., but she said Smith made repeated promises to improve her treatment of her daughter. "I believed her," she said. "She was my best friend at that time."