Evil mum who violently shook four-month-old baby daughter to death in horrific campaign of abuse is jailed
Melissa Wilband, 28, had
4
Melissa Wilband has been convicted of killing her baby
Credit: SWNS
4
Lexi had suffered a bleed on the brain that was likely caused by someone 'shaking her violently'
Credit: Gloucestershire Constabulary
Bristol Crown Court was told the baby collapsed at home in Newent in the Forest of Dean and died six days later.
Lexi had suffered a bleed on the brain that was likely caused by someone "shaking her violently" on more than one occasion.
Wilband was convicted of manslaughter in April following a trial before being sentenced today.
Her boyfriend at the time, Jack Wheeler, was also charged with manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child.
READ MORE NEWS
But the Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence for the manslaughter charge and he was cleared of the second count.
The court heard Lexi was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where Wilband claimed she was in her bouncer chair when she cried, went floppy then stopped breathing.
The baby was then transferred to Bristol Children's Hospital where the decision was made to switch off her life support.
Jane Osborne KC, prosecuting, said: "Ms Wilband knew that Lexi might die during the night but she didn't stay by her bedside.
Most read in The Sun
"A staff nurse held Lexi's hand through the night and remained with her.
"On the morning of April 18, Lexi seemed to have longer pauses in her breathing. Ms Wilband was told to attend the ward.
"She arrived just after Lexi had ceased to show any signs of life and had stopped breathing."
The court was told Wilband had told Wheeler, 31, throughout her pregnancy that he was Lexi's biological dad.
But she had actually conceived the baby in early 2019 when she and Wheeler were not together.
Ms Osborne said: "When Melissa Wilband was still pregnant with Lexi, following some queries about the paternity, she presented a document which purported to be a paternity test.
"It declared that Jack Wheeler was the father of the unborn baby. This was obviously not a genuine document.
"The most obvious fact was the fact that the word 'father' was spelt 'farther' which would have been obvious to anybody who knew how to spell it properly.
"Looking at that document exacerbated concerns of Jack Wheeler and his parents. Very soon after Lexi was born, Jack Wheeler ensured that Melissa Wilband submitted samples for a proper test.
"The genuine test showed that he was not the father of Lexi. After the results of this, Mr Wheeler and Ms Wilband nearly split up but Ms Wilband persuaded Mr Wheeler that he should stay with her."
Jurors heard Wheeler moved in with Wilband during the Covid lockdown in February 2020.
The couple, described as regular cocaine users, lived in squalor with every kitchen surface covered in food and utensils.
On April 12, 2020, Wilband phoned emergency crews, with paramedics finding Lexi unresponsive on the floor when they arrived.
While paramedics asked her questions, the mum rolled cigarettes and used her mobile.
When she was asked if she would like to hold her daughter before she was intubated, Wilband declined, the court heard.
In a prepared statement, Wheeler told police that Lexi "suddenly stopped crying and went floppy in his arms".
A post-mortem gave Lexi's cause of death as bleeding to the brain, caused by a non-accidental traumatic event such as someone "shaking her violently".
Further tests found the areas of bleeding in Lexi's eyes were "too numerous to count", jurors heard.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey said: 'Lexi was four-and-a-half months old when she died.
"Melissa Wilband inflicted such serious injuries that were sadly to prove fatal and tragically Lexi passed away six days later, despite the best efforts of all the medical staff who tried to save her.
"Further medical evidence showed that Lexi had suffered at least one other episode of shaking at some point before this one.
"Wilband told lie after lie after lie - right from Lexi's conception, and all the way throughout the pregnancy. These lies continued and were made to medical professionals trying to save Lexi's life, to the police, and all the way through to her giving evidence in court.
"The jury saw those lies for what they were.
"Lexi should be five years old now with her whole
future
ahead of her. She was shaken by someone who should have been protecting her.
"Someone who should have put her safety and wellbeing above everything else, her mother. Wilband did not do those things and in fact did the exact opposite. She now faces the consequences of her actions."
4
Melissa Wilband denied killing Lexi
Credit: Gloucestershire Constabulary
4
Wheeler was previously charged with manslaughter but the charge has since been dropped
Credit: SWNS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Baby boy killed after being thrown from car window ‘because mum drank rosé on beach and didn't strap him in properly'
A BABY boy died after being thrown from a car window because he was not strapped in properly, a court was told. Mum Morgan Kiely, then 19, had been drinking at Clacton beach in Essex with a friend and her young son Harry on July 13, 2022. Advertisement 3 Harry Kiely died after being thrown from a car as his mum and a friend drove home from the beach after drinking Credit: SWNS 3 The young women were driving back from Clacton beach at about 6.30pm when the crash happened Credit: Getty However as they drove away, the car rolled and ended up on its roof - and six-month-old Harry was thrown from his seat through an open window. He died later that night from 'unsurvivable' injuries including a skull fracture. Kiely has denied manslaughter as prosecutors said Harry had not been strapped in his car seat properly. Chelmsford Crown Court heard Kiely was the passenger in a Ford Focus belonging to friend Stevie Steel when the accident happened. Advertisement Harry was in a rear seat behind his mother. Steel, of Crayford, Kent, has previously admitted causing death by careless driving while over the drink drive limit. Alex Stein, prosecuting, said the young women were driving back from Clacton beach at about 6.30pm when the crash happened. They had met up at about 3pm and bought three bottles of Prosecco at Aldi on their way to the beach with Harry. Advertisement Most read in The Sun They stayed on the beach for several hours and were briefly joined by a young man they knew. After finishing a bottle of wine , they left the beach together before Steel and Kiely drove away. The court heard Steel was distracted while driving and hit a parked car on Cherry Tree Avenue in Clacton. The Ford Focus rolled and ended up on its roof, and the two girls were left hanging upside down by their seatbelts. Advertisement Mr Stein said: "Very sadly, that child's seat had not been strapped properly into the seatbelt, and Harry hadn't been strapped into the seat properly. "Harry was thrown out of the open window out of his seat. "He suffered a devastating skull fracture. It is a very, very sad case." Mr Stein said Harry landed on the road and had no way to break his fall. Advertisement Members of the public rushed to help, including a retired paediatric nurse. Harry was treated at the scene for more than an hour before he was taken to hospital, where staff continued to try to save him, but he died at about 9pm. Read more on the Irish Sun Mr Stein said there was nothing to suggest Kiely wasn't a loving and caring mother to Harry and that everything that could have been done to save him was done in the period after the crash. The trial continues. Advertisement 3 They had met up at about 3pm and bought three bottles of Prosecco at Aldi on their way to the beach with Harry Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Moment US ‘hitwoman wearing burka disguise tries to shoot dead Birmingham shop owner in botched assassination plot'
SHOCKING footage shows the moment a US "hitwoman" is accused of trying to kill a shop owner while wearing a "burka disguise". Aimee Betro, 45, was allegedly involved in a plot that saw Aslat Mahumad threatened with a firearm that jammed in South Yardley, Birmingham, a court heard. 11 CCTV footage shown to the jury captures a person brandishing a pistol, attempting to shoot Sikander Ali Credit: SWNS 11 Birmingham Crown Court captures the individual firing three shots into the property Credit: SWNS 11 CCTV footage allegedly captures Aimee Betro with her head covered Credit: SWNS The American denies conspiracy to murder, the possession of a firearm with intent and the illegal importation of ammunition, Birmingham Crown Court was told. Betro allegedly flew in from Wisconsin in the United States as part of the plot, the court heard. She is accused of conspiring with Mohammed Nazir, 31, and his father Mohammed Aslam, 56, to murder Aslat and members of his family between August 21 and September 10 2019. Tom Walkling KC, for the prosecution, said the botched assassination attempt was the culmination of a long-running 'vendetta' involving the family of Aslat. Read More in UK News The prosecution claimed that Betro, having bought a Mercedes earlier that day, lay in wait in the vehicle outside Aslat's family home in Measham Grove, Birmingham. Birmingham Crown Court was shown CCTV footage of an incident in South Yardley in September 2019. Sikander Ali, Aslat's son, was caught on camera arriving home in his black SUV. The video then shows a person wearing a face covering, who the prosecution said was Betro, pulling out a firearm and approaching Ali before the gun jammed at point-blank range. Most read in The Sun Ali then quickly reversed his SUV off the road, clipping the door of the Mercedes and damaging it so it would not close. After the botched assassination attempt, Betro allegedly returned to the property in a taxi and fired three times at the house, smashing several windows. Mr Walkling added: "On the seventh of September 2019 in a suburban cul de sac in South Yardley a would-be assassin tried to shoot a man called Sikander Ali at close range outside his house. "The assassin was a woman who tried to disguise her appearance by wearing a niqab - a face covering - and what looked like a burka." 11 Betro is standing trial but denies all charges 11 Video allegedly capturing Aimee Betro with luggage Credit: SWNS 11 Three shots were fired into the two upstairs bedrooms of a property in Birmingham Credit: SWNS 11 CCTV footage allegedly captures Aimee Betro purchasing a mobile phone prior to the shootings Credit: SWNS The firearms offence is alleged to have been committed on September 8 2019, while the ammunition smuggling charge relates to a period between September 12 and October 23, 2019. She later dumped the Mercedes and police found a black glove with Betro's DNA inside, the court heard. "Further proof if any was needed ... that she was the gunwoman in the burka," Mr Walkling claimed. Six minutes later she was again caught on CCTV shown to the jury from close to where the car was dumped wearing a summer dress, hoodie and flip flops and carrying two bags. Mr Walkling added that 'revenge was the motive' after Nazir and Aslam were injured during a disorder at Aslat's clothing boutique in Birmingham in July 2018, which led them to conspire to have someone kill him or a member of his family. Betro was extradited from Armenia and arrested at Gatwick Airport earlier this year by National Crime Agency officers , the jury was told. Betro's two co-conspirators, Mohammed Nazir and his father, Mohammed Aslam both from Derby, were convicted and jailed last year. Both were convicted of conspiracy to murder while Nazir was also convicted of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Horror moment gunman opens fire during pub brawl and shoots landlady as she tries to break up fight Betro, appeared in the dock on Monday wearing black glasses, a maroon top and a colourful beach shirt with bright pink Converse trainers. The American, whose hair was styled in two "pace buns" on top of her head, denies all charges against her. Betro is also accused of sending a text to Ali's father which said: 'Where are you hiding? … Stop playing hide and seek' and 'Come and meet me, I'm at Asda,' the court was told. Mr Walkling said: 'This case is about three incidents. An attempted shooting of a man outside his home, the shooting of bullets through the windows of that home, and the posting of illegal bullets from the USA to the UK." Mr Walkling said Betro was in contact with Nazir before she flew to Manchester Airport in August 2019. He said Betro had two phones - a normal "day to day" phone which she used regularly - and a "dirty phone" - bought before the shooting. Jurors were told that on August Betro also went to Birmingham and hired a Mercedes C Class car from Enterprise at Birmingham Airport. The car was later involved in a three car collision in Derby with Mohammed Nazir and another woman. Both later received insurance payouts, the court heard. She then stayed at a hotel in Derby for two nights before travelling to London and Brighton before returning to Birmingham and then back to Derby. The court was played a video clip - from Nazir's phone - showing a gun being fired into the ground three days before the attempted shooting in Birmingham which prosecutors said was a bid to "test" the weapon. The trial is expected to last four weeks. 11 CCTV footage allegedly captures Aimee Betro with luggage Credit: SWNS 11 Betro is now on trial Credit: SWNS 11 Mohammed Nazir was found guilty of conspiracy to murder last year Credit: SWNS 11 His father Mohammed Aslam was also found guilty of conspiracy to murder Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Boy, 10, killed when bus overturned & slid down 20ft bank on way back from school trip is named
A SCHOOLBOY killed in a tragic bus crash on his way home from a trip to the zoo has been named. Tributes have poured in for 10-year-old Oliver Price, who died after the coach veered off the road on Thursday. 6 The coach veered off the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe in Somerset shortly before 3pm Credit: ANDREW LLOYD 6 Emergency crews rushed to rescue passengers from the bus following a crash Credit: SWNS 6 A woman kisses a child on the cheek in front of floral tributes outside Minehead Middle School after the tragic crash Credit: Getty The coach left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon last week. It had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff on board when the tragedy took place. Avon and Somerset Police Two children and one adult are still in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset. Read More Minehead bus crash A number of children were discharged over the weekend. The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the roadway, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Most read in The Sun The bus driver is understood to be in hospital in a stable condition, but suffering from a number of injuries. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said today: 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with Oliver's family at what must be an unimaginably difficult time. We will continue to make sure they're updated. 'Our investigation is now well underway with officers working tirelessly to find out what caused it. This work is likely to take some time and we're asking for patience while these enquiries take place. 'Over the last few days we have been working closely with our partner agencies and the school to ensure support is in place for anyone who might need it. 'We are extremely grateful for all the support that's been received locally. This clearly shows how special and close-knit this community is. 'I would like to also thank all the emergency services and voluntary groups who responded for their support as well as everyone in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.' Minehead Middle School's website stated that pupils in that year group (aged nine to 10) were due to visit the zoo as part of the school's "Enrichment Week" activities. Three helicopters, deployed by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance, joined police air crews on the day of the horror. Some casualties were then taken by air ambulance to hospital in Bristol. In a press conference outside Minehead Middle School, cops confirmed that they were called at 2.58pm to the "very complex and technically difficult scene". Parents - who had been summoned to the school by police - were seen visibly upset as they waited outside the building. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer explained how an off-duty firefighter was travelling behind the coach at the time of the crash, and was able to offer assistance. Police confirmed that 21 casualties had been rushed to hospital, although the "large majority of passengers" were taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross. Officials say the coach came off the remote rural road and slid at least 20ft down a bank, having overturned onto its roof. Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, says: "We were mobilised to a major incident to a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slip approximately 20ft (6.1m) down an embankment. "Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances, and he also supported our ambulance colleagues with casualty treatment. "This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped as quickly as safely as possible." Eight fire engines, two specialist rescue appliances and around 60 firefighters were deployed to the scene. South Western Ambulance Service deployed 20 double crewed ambulances, three air ambulances, a command team and two hazardous area response teams. Cops estimate around 60 to 70 people were onboard the coach when it left the road. She got on the first of the two coaches instead and arrived home safely. But the second coach Another boy, "I just remember climbing up the hill to get back on the road," he said. His mum Kim said she became frantic when Jayden didn't arrive at his gran's house at 4pm on Thursday. "I'm just so grateful to have my baby home," she told the Ridlers Coaches director Peter Prior-Sankey said in a statement: "Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated by yesterday's tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the pupils, their families, and the school. "Our thanks go to the incredible emergency service teams for their response, and to those across our local hospitals and community who have done so much for those impacted over the last 24 hours. "I can confirm that the driver is himself in a stable condition in hospital, but with a number of injuries. We are in contact with his wife and family, and have offered ongoing support." He added that staff at the company are being supported and he and his team are liaising with Somerset Council. Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to the tragic death of Oliver last week, saying: "A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset. "There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. "All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected. "Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I'm being kept up to date on this situation." An Avon and Somerset spokesperson said: "Our investigation into the collision on Exmoor last week in which a 10-year-old boy tragically died is continuing this week. "Formal identification has now been completed and we can confirm the victim was Oliver Price. Our thoughts are with his parents and family who have been updated and continue to be supported by a specially-trained officer. "Two children and one adult are currently in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset, while a number of children were discharged over the weekend. "Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Team have been carrying out thorough enquiries to understand the full circumstances of the collision. "The coach, which was transporting pupils and teachers from Minehead Middle School, left the A396 shortly before 3pm on Thursday 17 July. "A major incident was declared and a significant emergency service response began. "Despite their efforts, Oliver was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A family liaison officer will continue to keep their parents updated as our investigation progresses. "The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination over the coming days by experts, as part of our usual investigative enquiries. "Officers have also been taking statements from a number of adults who were either on the coach or were travelling in the area at the time as part of their work to establish the full circumstances of the collision. "The examination of the scene has been completed, however the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council. "Neighbourhood officers will be present outside the school over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is welcome to speak to them." 6 Emily Manning, 10, climbed on board the doomed 70-seater after an end of term trip to the zoo but was told to get off because it was already full 6 Police on guard outside Minehead Middle School Credit: SWNS 6 The scene yesterday after the tragic crash Credit: SWNS
