Father Found Guilty of Murdering Baby Daughter in Shocking Ramsgate Case
A 25-year-old dad has been convicted of murdering his five-week-old daughter after a grim three-week trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
Horrific Injuries to Baby Everleigh
Thomas Holford, from St Fabian’s Drive, Chelmsford, was found guilty on 3 July of murdering baby Everleigh Stroud. The infant suffered catastrophic injuries while in her father’s care on the night of 21 April 2021.
Emergency services were called to a Ramsgate home that morning after reports that little Everleigh was struggling to cry and completely unresponsive. Paramedics found her with bruising all over her face and rushed her to hospital.
Medical experts uncovered:
- A massive brain bleed
- Other signs of non-accidental injuries
- Clear evidence of violent shaking
Despite intensive care, Everleigh sadly died in hospital on 27 May 2022, aged just 13 months, never recovering from the trauma inflicted as a newborn.
Three-Week Trial Ends in Guilty Verdict
Holford, aged 24 at the time of the incident, was arrested at the scene by kent.police.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police and charged with murder. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder.
After hearing detailed forensic and medical evidence, the jury found Holford guilty of murder. He will be sentenced on Friday, 4 July.
Police Condemn Father’s Actions
Detective Inspector Ross Gurden, the senior investigating officer, said:
“The tragic events of that night and the impact on Everleigh’s family have been deeply distressing. Holford has refused to be truthful or take responsibility for what he did. He now faces a long prison sentence.
My thoughts remain with the family, and I thank them for their strength throughout this investigation.”
This dreadful case stands out as one of Kent’s most shocking child homicide tragedies in recent years.
