Mum and partner jailed for 23 years for murder of Liskeard toddler

Thomas Curd and Abigail Leatherland were jailed for 23 years. Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police

A man who beat and poisoned a 22-month-old toddler from Cornwall has been jailed for a minimum of 20 years.

Eve Leatherland had multiple fractures and a fatal dose of codeine in her system when was found dead at her home in Liskeard, Cornwall, in October 2017.

Thomas Curd, who was the partner of Eve’s mum Abigail, was found guilty of the toddler’s murder at Truro Crown Court on Thursday (March 28).

Eve Leatherland had multiple fractures and a fatal dose of codeine in her system when she died. Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police

Mum Abigail, meanwhile, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death having been cleared of manslaughter.

She was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

During the trial, the court heard Eve’s ribs and skull had been fractured and re-fractured during a series of attacks.

The couple were jailed for a total of 23 years. Credit: Devon and Cornwall Police

She was subsequently poisoned with codeine - a strong adult painkiller - which was administered by the pair in an attempt to mask the child’s injuries.

She had also suffered a ruptured liver prior to her death at the couple’s then home in Liskeard.