Grantham man who made threats to kill his young daughter given suspended jail sentence

A Grantham man who made threats to kill his own young daughter and briefly left her outside in the rain was today (Tuesday) given a suspended jail sentence.

The 32-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his daughter, pleaded guilty to child cruelty between September 2020 and July 2021.

Lincoln Crown Court heard neighbours in Grantham became concerned after overhearing shouting towards the child "nearly every day."

This included comments such as "I'll kill you," "I hate you" and "I'm not your dad."

On one occasion the father was seen to place the child outside in the rain for around ten seconds, the court was told.

Police were called on July 4, 2021 after neighbours became so concerned that they made several recordings of the father's behaviour.

When officers went to the address the father stated "Oh my God, I would never hurt her."

During his police interview the father falsely claimed any threats or swearing were directed to other adults over the phone.

In a victim impact statement, the child's mother described noticing how her daughter had become sensitive to loud noises, and would often duck under tables or put her hands over her ears.

"No child should have to experience that," she explained.

Chris Jeyes, mitigating for the father, said he was immature and had been struggling to cope with joint custody of his daughter after a difficult split with her mother.

"There is of course nothing that can be said to defend what happened," Mr Jeyes told the court. "It is extremely distressing for anyone who listens to those recordings, including the defendant."

But Mr Jeyes urged the court to consider intervention and mental health treatment rather than immediate custody.

"He knows now he has to make amends," Mr Jeyes added.

Passing sentence Judge James House KC stressed it was a difficult case that needed careful consideration.

Judge House said he had no doubt there would be some emotional impact on the child.

"Anyone listening to those recordings will find it abhorrent," Judge House added.

But Judge House said he also had to take into account that the defendant had no previous convictions, had stayed out of trouble since his arrest and was suitable for rehabilitation.

The father was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. He must also complete a 12 month mental health treatment course and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.