Father punch his two-day-old daughter to death

A KILLER dad who punched and shook his two-day-old baby girl to death has been found dead in his prison cell.

Another prisoner has been charged with murder after the body of Liam Deane, 22, was found HMP Leeds on Sunday.

John Westland, 28, appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court this morning flanked by two cops and a member of court escort staff.

Westland was told that his case was being sent to Leeds Crown Court due to the serious nature of the offence.

Deane was jailed in October after a court heard he had subjected his daughter, named Luna, to a horrific attack after losing his temper just when she “would not stop crying”.

Tragic baby Luna had been left in the arms of Deane while her mum went to get some sleep on July 10.

In the vicious attack he punched Luna to the face, squeezed her body and arms and shook her.

Luna was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she died in intensive care on July 14.

Michael Smith, prosecuting during Deane’s trial, said the baby had injuries to her brain, body and face.

Mr Smith said: “He said he was responsible for all of the injuries that she had suffered and he said that Luna had not settled down and he lost control.”

A doctor concluded Luna had died after suffering head trauma, leaving her with “catastrophic brain injuries.”

Deane broke down when interviewed by police and admitted he was responsible for attacking the baby.

Mr Wright had read a victim statement to the court on behalf of Luna’s mother.

It stated: “Seeing Luna on life support in the hospital will last with me forever.

“I can’t describe how that felt. I would not wish it upon my worst enemy.”

Deane had been given a life sentence and was told he would serve a minimum of ten years in prison.

Westland will next appear at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.