…Researched and contributed by Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Kyle Bevan, a drug addict, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his two-year-old stepdaughter, Lola James, in July 2020.
Bevan, 31, was found guilty of inflicting fatal head injuries on the child over a six-hour attack, resulting in over 100 bruises and scratches on her body, which doctors likened to a high-speed car crash.
One medical expert stated that Lola was “the most battered and bruised child” she had ever seen.
The child’s injuries showed evidence of weapons being used.
Bevan attempted to blame the family dog for the death and cleaned up the murder scene instead of calling an ambulance.
Child’s Death the Culmination of Violence
Lola’s mother, Sinead James, was found guilty of allowing her daughter’s death.
The court heard that Lola had suffered previous serious injuries, such as a black eye and bloody nose, while in Bevan’s care.
Her murder was considered the culmination of escalating violence towards her at Bevan’s hands over five months.
A multi-agency referral had been made in January 2020 after a domestic violence incident with James’ former partner.
However, no visits were made to the home after February 2020, which was the same month that Bevan moved in.
Sentencing and Mitigation
Bevan received a life sentence with a minimum of 28 years in prison.
Judge Mr Justice Griffiths called the attack “sustained, deliberate, and very violent” and said it was the culmination of several months of physical child abuse.
He accused Bevan of exercising power and asserting his superiority over a helpless child.
Bevan’s barrister, John Hipkin KC, offered no personal mitigation.
James was sentenced to six years in prison.
The judge accused her of prioritising her relationship with Bevan over concern for Lola.
He said that James went back to bed after hearing a scream and a bang from Lola’s bedroom, where she was with Bevan only hours before Lola was murdered.
The judge acknowledged James’ remorse and devastation at Lola’s death.
David Elias KC, representing James, stated that she was scared of Bevan.
Victim Impact Statements
During the trial, Lola’s grandmother, Nicola James, gave a victim impact statement in which she addressed Bevan directly.
She accused him of taking her granddaughter’s young and innocent life and breaking her family.
She hoped that he would understand what he had done during his time in prison.
Lola’s father, Daniel Thomas, said that he had been robbed of the opportunity to see his daughter grow up and that all he had left were memories of her.
He said that he felt guilt and torment over Lola’s death.
Child Practice Review
Pembrokeshire County Council announced that a child practice review would be carried out into Lola’s death.
Commentary
The murder of Lola James is a tragedy that is hard to comprehend.
The fact that her murder was the culmination of escalating violence towards her over several months makes it even more tragic.
It is clear that the agencies involved in this case failed Lola and her family.
A referral had been made after a domestic violence incident, but no further visits were made to the home.
It is also unclear why Bevan was allowed to move in with James only days after connecting with her on Facebook.
The victim impact statements given by Lola’s family members highlight the devastating impact that her death has had on them.
Lola’s father, Daniel Thomas, spoke of the guilt and torment he feels over her death, while her grandmother, Nicola James, addressed Bevan directly and accused him of breaking her family.
The fact that James was sentenced to only six years in prison has been criticised
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