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02/07/2007
Uncle jailed for murder of toddler
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.
Casey's body was found in a pool of blood in her home and a post-mortem revealed that she died from compression of the neck.
Sentencing him to a minimum of 35 years in prison, Mr Justice Simon described Mullen as "a very dangerous man capable of lethal and violent sexual crimes against children".
The judge told the court that Mullen had arrived at Casey's home on the evening of her death with his brother, following an afternoon of drinking.
The judge said: "At some stage you went upstairs alone and you entered the bedroom of Casey Leigh Mullen. There you raped and killed her.
"Those bare outlines are dreadful enough, but what is particularly horrifying about this crime is that she was your niece and she was a child of two years and two months."
The court also heard how a picture of the toddler, naked from the waist down, had been found on Mullen's mobile phone.
Sexual images of children, which had been downloaded between October last year and February this year, were also found on his computer.
Casey's parents, Samantha and David, issued a statement which said that they were relieved at the outcome. It said: "We have some happy memories of Casey Leigh and she will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts.
"We would now like to get on with our lives in peace and attempt to come to terms with the events of the last few months."
(KMcA)
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.
Casey's body was found in a pool of blood in her home and a post-mortem revealed that she died from compression of the neck.
Sentencing him to a minimum of 35 years in prison, Mr Justice Simon described Mullen as "a very dangerous man capable of lethal and violent sexual crimes against children".
The judge told the court that Mullen had arrived at Casey's home on the evening of her death with his brother, following an afternoon of drinking.
The judge said: "At some stage you went upstairs alone and you entered the bedroom of Casey Leigh Mullen. There you raped and killed her.
"Those bare outlines are dreadful enough, but what is particularly horrifying about this crime is that she was your niece and she was a child of two years and two months."
The court also heard how a picture of the toddler, naked from the waist down, had been found on Mullen's mobile phone.
Sexual images of children, which had been downloaded between October last year and February this year, were also found on his computer.
Casey's parents, Samantha and David, issued a statement which said that they were relieved at the outcome. It said: "We have some happy memories of Casey Leigh and she will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts.
"We would now like to get on with our lives in peace and attempt to come to terms with the events of the last few months."
(KMcA)
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21 February 2007
Man in court over toddler rape and murder
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.
Man in court over toddler rape and murder
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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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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