21/03/2007

Funeral of murdered toddler held

More than 100 mourners have attended the funeral of murdered toddler Casey Leigh Mullen.

The two-year-old was found dead at her home in Oak Tree Crescent in Gipton in Leeds on February 11.

A post-mortem revealed that the toddler died from compression of the neck.

Her uncle, 21-year-old Michael Mullen, has been charged with her rape and murder and his trial is due to begin on July 2.

The funeral took place at St Bartholomew's Church in Armley, Leeds on Wednesday. A horse-drawn carriage led the cortege to the church.

The toddler's father, David Mullen, 20, helped carry the coffin into the church, while the mourners, including Casey's mother, Samantha Canham, 21, entered the church to Whitney Houston's song 'I Will Always Love You'.

The funeral car contained red, white and pink flowers spelling out Casey's name.

A tribute from her parents read: "Our darling daughter, how our heart aches without you here with us. Go baby and play with the angels. All our love, Mummy and Daddy."

A private burial followed the funeral.

Mr Mullen is next due to appear in court for a plea and case management hearing on April 16.

The inquest into her death has been adjourned until after Mr Mullen's trial.

(KMcA/JM)


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13 March 2007
Toddler's funeral to be held next week
A coroner has given permission for the funeral of two-year-old Casey Leigh Mullen to be held next week, at the opening of an inquest into her death. The toddler was found dead at her home in Oak Tree Crescent in Gipton in Leeds on February 11. A post-mortem revealed that the toddler died from compression of the neck.
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The uncle of toddler Casey Leigh Mullen has been jailed for life for her rape and murder. At Leeds Crown Court on Monday, Michael Mullen, 21, of Lawrence Road in Gipton, pleaded guilty to raping and murdering the two-year-old at her home in Oak Tree Crescent in the Gipton area of Leeds on February 11 last year.
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The uncle of toddler Casey Leigh Mullen has appeared in court charged with her rape and murder. The two-year-old was found dead at her home in Oak Tree Crescent in the Gipton area of Leeds on February 11. A post-mortem revealed that Casey died from compression of the neck.
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No Charges Over Toddler Dog Attack Death
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15 February 2007
Uncle remanded in custody over child's death
A man has appeared in court charged with the rape and murder of his two-year-old niece who was found in a pool of blood on her bedroom floor on February 11. Casey Mullen was found dead at her home in Oak Tree Crescent, Gipton, Leeds following a disturbance.