From ‘carer to killer’

In sentencing Dunford to seven years in prison Judge Richard Brown told her that she had gone from ‘carer to killer’ and shown little or no remorse over Lucy’s death.

The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter eight years after the little girl’s death in the pink bedroom of her Pelwood Road home in Camber.

Dunford 33, now of of Rydal Mews, Windermere Close, Exeter, had denied murdering Lucy throughout the five week trial at Lewes Crown Court.

The conviction follows a series of incredibly detailed forensic investigations by top pathologists who uncovered bruises under the skin on Lucy’s neck.

Judge Brown told Dunford: “It may well be that you are the only one who knows exactly what happened on that dreadful day in 2004 which took you from carer to killer.

“Since then you have done your level best to lie your way out of any responsibility.”

The judge said Dunford, who showed no emotion as sentence was passed, had exhibited “little or no remorse” for her actions.

He added: “The fact remains that whatever did happen you did, in fact, kill your child and the courts have to protect little people like Lucy from being subjected to violence.

“I assess the gravity of your conduct as being at the higher end of the scale.”

See Friday’s Rye Observer for full story and background.