Alcock must serve at least 21 years in prison A man has been jailed for life for murdering his former partner’s 15-month-old daughter in Oldham.
Gary Alcock, 28, was found guilty of murdering Violet Mullen. Claire Flanagan, 22, was convicted of causing or allowing her child’s death.
Violet had suffered “catastrophic internal injuries” in the weeks before her death, prosecutors said.
At Manchester Crown Court, Alcock was told he must serve at least 21 years. Flanagan was jailed for five years.
Violet was punched, slapped and pinched by Alcock in the three weeks leading up to her death.
On 12 January, he delivered a fatal blow to her stomach which tore her internal organs.
Paramedics were called to their home, on Huddersfield Road, and rushed Violet to the Royal Oldham Hospital where she was pronounced dead. She had suffered a cardiac arrest.
Doctors were concerned about bruising on Violet’s face and body and alerted the police, who arrested Alcock and Flanagan on suspicion of murder.
Flanagan was cleared of murder at Manchester Crown Court last month.
She was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of Violet by ignoring the obvious signs of abuse.
The court heard how she put her desperate need for a man in her life ahead of her daughter.
Violet Mullen suffered “catastrophic internal injuries”, prosecutors said Alcock was told he must serve a minimum of 21 years before he can be considered for parole.
Neighbours told officers they had heard Flanagan shouting and swearing at the children, though no noise was heard on the day Violet died.
Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Vinny Chadwick, said: “The pathologist’s report made some disturbing conclusions about how much Violet suffered before her death.
“Alcock was supposed to care for her but he abused his position and caused her death.
“We are pleased that justice has been done for taking away a completely innocent life, and our thoughts remain with Violet’s family, as they continue to come to terms with her death.”
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