A man who murdered his girlfriend’s two-year-old daughter by kicking her so hard she was thrown six feet across the room and ruptured her liver, has been jailed for life.
Dean Harris, 20, killed Amina Agboola, daughter of former Super Eagles player Reuben Agboola, after becoming frustrated at her soiling herself, prosecutors told his trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
The force of the blow was so severe that it tore her liver in two. Paramedics described finding her lying “like a rag doll”.
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Mr Harris, who wrote a detailed confession letter released by Cambridgeshire Police, had admitted manslaughter but was convicted of the child’s murder.
Amina’s mother, Sarah Racqueman, 29, who had been in a relationship with Mr Harris for just five months, was cleared by a jury in June of causing or allowing her death.
The court heard that Harris was left alone with the toddler in November last year despite warnings from social workers that he was dangerous because of a history of domestic violence.
Speaking after the sentencing, Amina’s father, Reuben Agboola, said: “I am pleased with the sentence Dean Harris has received today. However the grief feels like it has no end.
“I think about Amina constantly. I still cry every day.
“I go through the motions of living but inside I am somewhere else thinking about my daughter all the time.
“No one understands the pain except those people who are experiencing it. My heart reaches out to every parent on earth who is suffering the loss of a child.”
Amina’s mother, Sarah Racqueman, was acquitted of causing or allowing the death but admitted two other charges of neglect relating to other children.
She was given a suspended sentence earlier this month.
The trial heard Amina was found to have had a number of other injuries, including an untreated broken wrist.
Detective Inspector Alan Page said: “This was a horrendous case.
“There can be no justification for using violence against any child and Harris will have to deal with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life.
“While no sentence can ease the pain felt by Amina’s family, hopefully they will now be able to start moving on with their lives.”
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