Dad Jailed for Manslaughter of Baby Daughter After Brutal Assault
Dean Smith, 46, from Watford, was jailed for three-and-a-half years at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 22 December. He was convicted of manslaughter over the brutal attack on his baby daughter, Maisie Newell.
Baby Thrown Across Room in Shocking Attack
Smith attacked Maisie when she was just four weeks old, on 26 August 2000, at their Harrow home. Frustrated by the baby’s crying while his partner was out, Smith admitted to throwing the newborn across the room into her cot.
He and his partner lied about the injuries, blaming their 18-month-old child for dropping Maisie. Medical staff quickly saw through the story — the injuries didn’t match.
Earlier Conviction and Devastating Life Impact
In 2001, Smith was convicted of grievous bodily harm and sentenced to three years. Maisie, born healthy, was left with severe mental and physical disabilities from the assault.
Tragically, she died in Norfolk on 28 June 2014. A post-mortem confirmed her death was linked to Smith’s 2000 attack.
Long Road to Justice Ends with Manslaughter Sentence
Smith was first arrested for murder in July 2014, but released on bail and faced no further action in 2016. New medical evidence led to his re-arrest in 2019, with a trial starting in September 2020. The first trial ended with a hung jury, but a retrial brought today’s manslaughter conviction.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Fisher said: “Instead of a healthy life, Maisie was sentenced to a short life of severe disability and pain because of Smith’s actions. I hope he reflects on this as he begins his sentence.”
Maisie was cared for and loved by her adoptive family in Norfolk. Fisher added: “This process has been traumatic for them. I hope today’s sentence brings some closure.”
Maisie’s adoptive mother Tracey Newell said: “Maisie always had the ability to draw people to her, like sunshine, radiant and bright. While her body was damaged, her soul remained intact. She was, and always will be, eternally loved. Our family will never be the same without her.”
