Father shook his 17-week-old daughter to death.

A YOUNG father who lost his temper and shook his 17-week-old baby daughter to death has been jailed for five years.

Liam Heyes denied shaking tiny Layla Pike so forcefully he caused her brain to bleed and swell.

Jailing Heyes, who turned 21 last week, Mr Justice McKinnon said exactly how Heyes had injured his daughter may never be known.

John McDermott, QC, prosecuting, told Liverpool Crown Court Heyes had caused "catastrophic brain injuries" to Layla, after being left alone with her while his partner of three years, and the baby's mother, went to collect her benefits.

Heyes, who also has a young son, described placing the little girl on the sofa but said she had fallen on the wooden floor.

Mr McDermott said: "We don't allege it was a thought through, deliberate, cold-blooded act.

"Rather, it was likely a momentary loss of temper at a very young child, shaking with or without a throw taking not very long, seconds perhaps, but resulting in terrible consequences for Layla Pike."

Richard Pratt, QC, defending Heyes, of Bray Road, Speke, told the court he continues to deny manslaughter, saying: "This is a young man who did contribute and play his part in bringing up Layla, and these events were a momentary lapse rather than any continued fault."

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Liam Heyes