A BOLTON man today began a life sentence after pleading guilty to the savage murder of his baby daughter.

Sysa James Oudomvilay, 21, of Hooton Street, Daubhill, had previously denied murdering 19-month-old Demi Bolton.

But at the last minute he changed his plea to guilty at Manchester Crown Court today and admitted killing the baby after exploding in temper.

Judge Rhys Davies sentenced Oudomvilay to life imprisonment after the court heard how he made up three different stories to explain his daughter's severe injuries.

Demi died at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, in September last year as the result of two fractures to the skull consistent with a violent attack.

The court was told that both Oudomvilay and the baby's mother had a previous conviction for neglecting the child when they were caught out at night interfering with cars.

Prosecuting, John Rowe QC said Oudomvilay had been looking after Demi while the baby's mother, Bernadette, visited her own father, John Bolton.

The defendant arrived at Mr Bolton's home and said Demi would not wake up. The child was still breathing and was taken to Bolton Royal Infirmary.

The baby was later transferred to Hope Hospital where the head injuries were confirmed and then she was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where she died.

The defendant had given three explanations.

He said the child had fallen from a chest of drawers in her bedroom. Then he changed his story, saying she had fallen down stairs and, during a conversation with Bernadette which was secretly taped by police, he said the child had been hit by a door as he rushed into a room believing a dog was about to attack her.

Pathologist William Lawler said none of the explanations were consistent with the injuries.

Defending, David Turner said Oudomvilay was "inadequate to deal with the heavy responsibility of being a parent".

"He has found it very difficult to confront the terrible thing he has done. His greatest punishment is that he has killed a daughter he loved."

Judge Davies said: "Actions like this will bring a reaction of revulsion in any decent person. Having said that, you are a young man and have pleaded guilty and you will have credit for that."

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