Michael Daymond Jailed for Life Over Toddler Maya’s Tragic Death
Michael Daymond was found guilty of murdering toddler Maya Chappell at Teesside Crown Court last month. The 27-year-old was unanimously convicted by a jury after they ruled Maya died from fatal head injuries he inflicted.
Maya’s Mother Dana Carr Also Sentenced for Allowing Death
Maya’s mum, Dana Carr, was found guilty of allowing her daughter’s death. Prosecutors said she knew what Daymond was doing but failed to raise the alarm. Both were sentenced today: Daymond got life with a minimum of 20 years, while Carr was locked up for nine years for allowing the defenceless child’s death.
Each also received concurrent six-year sentences for child neglect.
Horrifying Details of Maya’s Final Hours
On September 28, 2022, Daymond was meant to be looking after Maya while Carr was at work. When Maya fell seriously ill at their Shotton Colliery home, Daymond called an ambulance—but not before ringing Carr first. Paramedics and police performed CPR, but Maya never regained consciousness and later died at the newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Royal Victoria Infirmary" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.
Abuse Covered Up by Lies and Silence
The three-week trial revealed Daymond and Carr had only been dating weeks before he moved into Maya’s home. Soon, bruises appeared all over Maya’s face and body. The couple even pulled her out of nursery to avoid suspicion. When family members raised concerns, Carr claimed Maya caused her own injuries by nipping and bumping herself.
Daymond never testified but admitted to inflicting the injuries over several weeks while alone with Maya. He lied in messages to Carr, who did nothing despite knowing. She repeatedly reassured Daymond of her love and refused to leave him.
Maya’s fatal head injuries were sustained during a four-hour window when only Daymond saw her.
“Maya was killed, we don’t know why or what caused Daymond to carry out such an appalling crime – but he did,” said Detective Superintendent Chris Barker of Durham Constabulary.
“Maya was a defenceless two-year-old girl who should have been able to trust Daymond – instead she lived in fear, and she couldn’t even rely on her own mother to help her.”
“My heart goes out to those who truly cared about Maya. Today’s sentencing won’t bring her back but hopefully it will provide some closure and allow them to grieve.”
