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A dad who murdered his newborn baby daughter has been found dead in his prison cell.

Liam Deane was found dead in his cell at HMP Leeds on Sunday.

He was jailed last month for murdering his daughter Luna in July.

Serving prisoner John Westland, 28, appeared before Leeds Magistrates today accused of killing Deane.

Flanked by a dock officer and two police officers, Westland spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.

(Image: PA)

Deane had previously admitted punching and shaking the two-day-old infant because she "would not stop crying".

Luna died in hospital three days later from 'catastrophic brain injuries'.

Deane was jailed for life with a minimum of 10 years after admitting killing Luna.

Violent Deane, 22, squeezed and punched his two-day-old daughter after losing his temper, the court heard.

Michael Smith, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court the baby suffered injuries to her brain, body and face.

The prosecutor told the court: “He (Deane) 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.”

On July 17, two days after Luna was born, her mum Karen Bissett, 21, went upstairs at their home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

The following day she was told by Deane that Luna was struggling to breathe after falling in the night and hitting her head.

They called an ambulance and paramedics arrived to notice her face was badly swollen and bruised.

Luna was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she died in intensive care on July 14th, three days after the attack.

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

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

Richard Wright, QC, representing Deane, said: "In my submission there is simply no explanation for the defendant's behaviour.

"His actions were wholly and utterly out of character for him. The defendant will have a very long time to reflect upon his terrible behaviour."

Mr Wright 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."