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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Peter Walker

Father admits manslaughter of three-year-old daughter who suffered sex abuse so violent she bled in nappies

A father has admitted the manslaughter of his three-year-old daughter who suffered sexual abuse so violent that she bled in her nappies.

Matthew Lee Williamson pleaded guilty on the grounds he did not seek medical attention for Kyhesha-Lee Joughin in the fortnight before her death.

The Brisbane Supreme Court in Australia has heard how she showed Mr Williamson she was bleeding from her bottom, was vomiting green and had obvious bruising across her face.

 “I didn’t think anything of it at the time,” said Mr Williamson.

The court has heard how the infant died from an infected internal injury, caused by sexual and physical abuse, in March 2013.

His first reaction to her death was apparently to ask housemate Christopher Kent to get rid of a bong in the house before he called emergency services.

Mr Williamson has been repeatedly accused in court of avoiding medical help because he knew the sexual abuse would be exposed.

Mr Kent, who also admitted manslaughter and has already spent 19 months in custody, told the court Mr Williamson regularly abused the girl.

“It was like two adults fighting,” Mr Kent said.

Mr Williamson denies carrying out any sexual or physical abuse and has in turn blamed Mr Kent for the injuries.

Mr Williamson’s sentencing hearing, under Justice Roslyn Atkinson, was adjourned until two weeks’ time while a psychological report on the defendant is put together.  

The girl’s maternal grandfather Doug Joughin told The Courier Mail outside court: “It's hard to comprehend really. No one helped her. It's disgusting.

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