Overview

• On July 4, Canterbury Crown Court handed Thomas Holford a life sentence with a 16-year minimum term, crediting him for 351 days already served.
• Jurors unanimously convicted Holford of murdering his five-week-old daughter, Everleigh Stroud, for violently shaking her in April 2021.
• Forensic experts detailed catastrophic brain haemorrhages, multiple bone fractures, facial bruising and anal injuries consistent with non-accidental trauma.
• Evidence showed Holford smoked at least five cannabis joints before the assault, lied to police about his drug use and displayed little emotion as Everleigh was rushed to hospital.
• Mr Justice Fordham said Holford’s actions had robbed the Stroud family of any deep happiness, underscoring the lifelong grief caused by the child’s prolonged suffering