Sheffield DJ guilty of murdering three year-old girl

Delroy Catwell was alone with Lylah Aaron at their home when he subjected her to what police called a “forceful and sustained attack”.

Catwell, 31, denied murdering Lylah but was found guilty by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court after a day of deliberations.

He showed no emotion as the jury foreman read out the verdict but Lylah’s mother, Precious Chibanda, was overcome in the public gallery and had to be consoled by friends and relatives.

Catwell will be sentenced tomorrow.

During a two-week trial, the jury of five women and seven men heard how Catwell, Lylah and Ms Chibanda shared a house in Beck Road, in the Shiregreen area of Sheffield.

On February 8, Catwell was left in charge of Lylah as her mother went to work at Derby Royal Infirmary as a trainee nurse.

The court heard how her mother returned later to find her daughter in bed and only later realised she was unconscious. She had suffered serious head injuries and died later in hospital.

Experts said Lylah suffered a brain injury consistent with being hit by a hard object. The post-mortem examination revealed her injuries were caused by “repeated impacts to her face and skull”.

It also found bruises on her body consistent with being punched, kicked and slapped, and she had three broken ribs.

The examination showed she had been attacked before, the jury was told.

Forensic examination of a bedroom in the house suggested damage to a wall had been caused by someone smashing Lylah’s head against it.

The jury heard how Catwell had complained about being sidelined as his girlfriend gave more attention to her daughter.

He described Lylah as demanding and clingy with her mother, taking time away from his relationship with his partner.

When Catwell gave evidence he tried to blame Ms Chibanda for attacking her daughter.

Detective Superintendent Dave Barraclough, who led the investigation, said: “This has been a particularly harrowing case for all concerned.

“Lylah was a happy, innocent girl who was much loved by her family. Only a day before she was seen running and skipping around, like any other child of her age.

“It’s horrific that she was viciously murdered by Catwell, a man who should have been caring for her.

“I would like to extend our sympathies to Lylah’s family at this difficult time.”

The officer added: “This murder was a forceful and sustained attack on a defenceless three-year-old girl.”

Police said Lylah was “outgoing and bubbly” and should have been attending a pyjama event at her nursery on the day she died.

The judge, Mrs Justice Nicola Davies, remanded Catwell in custody and told him she will not sentence him until tomorrow afternoon.

Bryan Cox QC, prosecuting, told her that Catwell has a previous conviction for sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, dating back to 2005. He said this involved sucking the toes of a girl he met in his local area and had invited back to his house.

Mr Cox said this resulted in a 12 month long community rehabilitation order.

The judge heard pre-sentence submissions from both barristers who agreed that he will received a life sentence with a minimum term to be fixed by the judge.

Both lawyers also agreed the judge’s starting point for fixing the minimum term was 15 years but she could increase this by taking into account aggravating factors.

Mr Cox said these factors should include the vulnerability of the victim, the abuse of a position of trust, the previous violence towards Lylah, the fact he tried to blame his partner for the murder and his previous conviction.

Catwell, who stood in the dock for the verdict wearing a blue t-shirt, was led away by two security officers.