Father who murdered his own baby daughter sentenced to life in prison

A Dudley man, Philip Peace has been sentenced to life in prison today (26 Feb) for the murder of his baby daughter.

Five-month-old Summer Peace died in September 2017 from non-accidental injuries – she had been in the sole care of her father at their home, when she became unresponsive and paramedics were called on 8 September.

Tragically she died in hospital the next day.

Michael Turner QC, defending, called for Peace to be sentenced on the basis the injuries were inflicted during a ‘momentary loss of control’ which must have only taken ‘seconds’.

He argued the incident was ‘completely our of character’, that Peace was a ‘loving father’ who made ‘immediate attempts’ to save Summer’s life and who was remorseful for his actions.

Passing sentence at Birmingham Crown Court, Justice Thomas Linden told him: “This was a brief loss of temper on your behalf with no pre-meditation. I accept your actions were out of character. I accept you didn’t intend to kill her.

“But the jury found you intended to cause her really serious harm. I accept after she collapsed you did what you could to assist during the 999 call under the supervision of the operator. It is clear to me you are very upset and regretful about what happened.

“In this there is a sense or remorse although you continue to deny your offence against Summer. These events have been a tragedy for Summer above all. Nothing can alter that fact, but what you have done will cast a long shadow above you and your family for the rest of your lives.”

Following a five-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court the jury found Peace guilty of murder yesterday. He has been ordered to serve 14 years before he will be eligible for parole.