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Matthew Scully-Hicks was found guilty at Cardiff Crown Court in a four-week trial for murdering toddler Elsie Scully-Hicks.

The 31-year-old fitness instructor inflicted a series of injuries including bruises and a broken leg on Elsie in the eight months he had care of her.

She died four days after being violently shaken which is when she sustained a fractured skull – just weeks after she was adopted by Scully-Hicks and his partner Craig.

(Image: PA)

(Image: PA)

Cardiff Crown Court heard the former lifeguard – who broke down in tears when the verdict was given – struggled to cope with the child and branded her “a pyscho”, “the exorcist” and “satan dressed up in a Babygro” in a series of text messages to Craig.

Neighbours heard Scully-Hicks shouting “shut the f*** up” at the baby and calling her a “little f****** brat” and a “silly little c***” when she cried.

Scully-Hicks insisted he never harmed Elsie and claimed she must have suffered fatal injuries after he changed her for bed at home in Llandaff, Cardiff, on May 25, 2016.

(Image: MATTHEW SCULLY-HICKS) (Image: MATTHEW SCULLY-HICKS)

But following the trial, 12 medical experts and six doctors gave evidence, which is when jurors unanimously found him guilty of murder.

Elsie was born on November 17, 2014, a week after her due date and was taken into care by the Vale of Glamorgan Council a few days later.

It is believed her birth mum used drugs throughout the pregnancy but Elsie was born healthy with an average weight and size.

(Image: PA)

And it was initially feared that Elsie may have contracted Hepatitis C from her mum and she underwent months of tests but was later found to be infection-free.

She was looked after by foster carers until her placement for adoption with Matthew and Craig Scully-Hicks at their home in Cardiff on September 10, 2015.

Health visitor Jodie Golten who described Elsie as “a very happy, smiley child”, said: “She was loving life, she was lovely – smiles all round."