This is the Wigan dad jailed for 12 years for killing baby daughter Hollie Ashurst

There were shouts of "monster" and "baby killer" as 33-year-old Daniel Ashurst was led out of the dock at Manchester Crown Court today, just days before the first anniversary of his daughter's death.

The father-of-two had denied killing 14-month-old Hollie, but was found guilty of her manslaughter last Thursday by a jury.

They reached a verdict of not guilty on the alternative charge of murder.

Before sentencing, a victim impact statement from Hollie's mother Leanne Thompson was read to the court.

She said: "Hollie was my best ever Christmas present and a very precious little girl. From birth Hollie brightened up my day with her laughter and cheekiness. She was so happy."

Her statement finished: "I will never be the same again."

Nina Grahame QC, defending Ashurst, told Mr Justice Dove in mitigation that "whatever happened in that house on that day", Ashurst went to get help for baby Hollie.

She highlighted his lack of previous relevant convictions, the "lack of pre-meditation" and his "long-standing history" of anxiety and depression.

Hollie was fatally injured while her father cared for her on Thursday, February 28.

He claimed she was hurt in a series of incidents that day at the family's home on Fleming Court, Shevington, and in his car.

But the prosecution said he had actually inflicted the injuries that killed the tot.

Ashurst carried injured Hollie into Standish Medical Centre on February 28 and staff tried to revive her, before she was rushed to hospital.

Medics attempted to save her, but she died at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital the following day.

A post-mortem examination found she had several injuries, including bleeding to her brain and eyes, bruising, a broken ankle and possible bite marks on her hand and leg.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Dove said to Ashurst: "We shall never know, and in particular her mother and family will never know, the detail of what happened to cause her all the many injuries her fragile body sustained from your actions.

"You have chosen not to be frank about what occurred when Hollie was in your care.

"You persisted in peddling a story immediately after Hollie's collapse, when she was critically ill, which could not possibly begin to explain the terrible injuries which you had inflicted."

Ashurst must serve half of the 12-year sentence in prison, which includes the 358 days he has already spent on remand.

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit said: “The death of a child is always heart breaking but this is a particularly heart wrenching case. Hollie was an innocent baby girl who was killed by her father who should have been providing care and protection.

“Hollie was found to have multiple internal and external injuries, which Ashurst was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for.

“Throughout our investigation and the trial, our thoughts have remained with Hollie’s mother and extended family. This has been an extremely difficult time for them so I hope today’s result brings them a sense of closure.