Prisoner is charged with murder after baby killer who punched two-day-old daughter is found dead in his cell

Liam Deane, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire lost his temper during the night and subjected Luna to an attack when she continued to cry. Photo / Supplied

A prisoner has been charged with murder after a convicted baby-killer who punched and shook his two-day-old daughter to death was found dead in his cell in the UK.

Liam Deane, 22, was jailed last month after he admitted to killing his two-day-old daughter Luna in the family home.

But yesterday police said Deane had been found dead in his cell at HMP Leeds on Sunday.

Another inmate, John Westland, 28, appeared at Leeds Magistrates' Court this morning charged with his 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.

Westland was told the case was being adjourned until Thursday when he will reappear at Leeds Crown Court.

Tragic baby Luna had been left in the arms of Deane while her mother went to get some sleep on July 10.

Deane, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire lost his temper during the night and subjected Luna to an attack when she continued to cry.

In a vicious attack he punched Luna to the face, squeezed her body and arms and shook her.

Luna was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where she died in intensive care on July 14.

Deane was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 10 years following his sentencing last month.

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

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.'

Luna was born on July 9 this year and on the day after the attack Deane told Ms Bissett the baby 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 there was no explanation for his client's 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."

The Recorder of Leeds, judge Peter Collier, QC, said: "You were caring for your two-day old child.

"She was crying. You yourself were no doubt stressed and tired but you lost your temper."