A MAN who murdered a toddler after inflicting months of ‘unimaginable pain’ on her has today been jailed for life.
Martin Johnson, 20, formerly of Leighton Road, Gleadless, Sheffield, must serve a minimum of 19 years behind bars for killing Erin Emilia Rain Tomkins.
The tot died one month before her second birthday after sustaining what was described as a catastrophic head injury consistent with being punched and violently assaulted.
Erin Emilia Rain Tomkins (Image: South Yorkshire Police)Johnson denied any involvement in Erin’s death, however a jury at Sheffield Crown Court in England took just two hours to return a unanimous guilty verdict.
Spinal fractures
The court heard how paramedics had responded at around 10am on May 22, 2018 to reports that Erin was unconscious and not breathing.
She was taken to hospital where staff contacted police over concerns that her injuries appeared suspicious and non-accidental.
The toddler passed away a day later.
A post-mortem examination found evidence of numerous spinal fractures, more than 27 old and recent bruises and significant head injuries.
Erin had also received a broken arm while being in the custody of Johnson two months before her murder.
'Multiple blunt force impacts'
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Whittaker of South Yorkshire Police said Johnson showed no remorse for his crime, consistently denied the charges and even attempted to blame Erin’s innocent mother.
“All of the evidence has been meticulously reviewed and the only person responsible for this horrific offence is Martin Johnson,” said DCI Whittaker.
A jury took just two hours to find Martin Johnson guilty of murder (Image: South Yorkshire Police)“Erin suffered what was described as a catastrophic head injury at Johnson’s hands, which caused irreparable damage and was consistent with multiple blunt force impacts, consistent with being punched and violently assaulted,” he added.
“This harrowing evidence was then reinforced by deeply troubling testimony from Erin’s mother about Johnson’s behaviour, who stated that Erin would become deeply distressed if left alone with him.
'Harrowing and horrific'
“This little girl suffered tragically at Johnson’s hands for months. The injuries Erin suffered must have left her in unimaginable pain, unable to communicate to anyone what was happening to her.
“In all my years as a police officer, I have never worked on a case as harrowing and horrific as this one.”
DCI Whittaker offered his condolences to Erin’s family, saying: “This trial must have been incredibly painful for those affected by Erin’s death and Erin’s mother in particular has shown considerable strength, providing evidence and supporting the police investigation.”
Johnson was also found guilty of two charges of Section 18 wounding and was jailed for six years for each count of assault, to run alongside his life term.
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