Liam Deane was found dead in his cell after apparently being murdered by another inmate (Picture: Ross Parry)

A father who killed his daughter because she wouldn’t stop crying has been found dead in his cell after apparently being murdered by another inmate.

Liam Deane, 22, was jailed a month ago after pleading guilty to punching two-day-old Luna in the face causing fatal injuries.

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He was found dead in his cell at HMP Leeds on Sunday and another inmate, John Westland, 28, has been charged with murder.

Westland was flanked by two police officers and a member of court escort staff as he was brought into the dock.


He remained handcuffed throughout the brief hearing, speaking only to confirm his personal details.



A hearing will take place on Thursday at Leeds Crown Court. Luna’s mum had left her with Deane while she went to get some sleep.

Deane admitted to punching Luna in the face, squeezing her body and arms and shaking her at Leeds Crown Court. (Picture: PA)

But he lost his temper during the night when Luna continued to cry, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Michael Smith said the injuries found on the baby included injuries to her brain, body and face.

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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.’

The court heard how Luna’s mother Karen Bissett, 21, had gone upstairs at the family home in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, on July 11 this year.

The next day she was told by Deane that Luna had fallen.

An ambulance was called after Deane had spoken to his mother, saying the baby was having difficulty breathing and had fallen and hit her head.

Paramedics arrived and noticed her face was badly swollen and bruised.

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

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.

He admitted punching Luna to the face, squeezing her body and arms and shaking her.

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.’