A mother has been found guilty of murder after stamping her 21-month-old toddler to death.

Kathryn Smith, 23, was convicted of killing Ayeeshia Jane Smith and was also found guilty of child cruelty.

Her partner Matthew Rigby, 22, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death, but was cleared of murder.

When the jury cleared Rigby of murder, he mouthed "thank you" to the jury. Smith wept uncontrollably from the dock when the jury convicted her.

Matthew Rigby, 22, outside Birmingham Crown Court (PA)

Ayeeshia died in hospital in May 2014 from a fatal heart laceration from a huge blow to her chest.

Pathologists said the injuries she had were similar to those seen in car crash victims.

A post mortem examination revealed 16 injuries, including three broken ribs, haemorrhaging in both lungs and bruising over her body.

The pathologist also found an old bleed on the brain and damage to her spine, which he said could have been caused "if a child is grasped and shaken".