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Mother jailed for life for murdering toddler Ayeeshia Smith

A mother has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 24 years after she was convicted of murdering her "happy and smiley" 21-month-old daughter.

Kathryn Smith, aged 23, was also found guilty of child cruelty, with investigators finding Ayeeshia Smith suffered months of abuse. Ayeeshia's injuries likened to those of a car crash victim.

Smith's former partner Matthew Rigby, 22, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of his stepdaughter. He was cleared of murder and child cruelty.

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Ayeeshia Smith case review to consider new evidence

Ayeeshia Smith died aged 21 months. Credit: SWNS

Following the Ayeeshia verdicts, Andrew Stokes, Interim Chair of Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board, said: “The death of a child is a tragedy and I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to everyone who knew AJ.

“All the agencies involved with the family have contributed to a serious case review which has been held to identify any lessons that can be learned.

“New information has emerged during the criminal trial which we need to consider before we can publish the findings of the review to ensure it is as robust and fully informed as possible.

“It is important that we take the time to look at this thoroughly to ensure we maintain the highest possible standards to safeguard children and young people across Derbyshire.”

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