Man Jailed for Life Over Murder of His Seven-Year-Old Daughter
A father has been locked up for a minimum of 24 years after pleading guilty to strangling his seven-year-old daughter. Robert Peters, 56, from Raynes Park, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday 30 April.
Horrific Crime Shocks Family and Community
Detective Inspector Helen Rance, who led the investigation, described the case as truly dreadful. “Sophia Peters was a loving and much-loved child,” she said. “Her death has devastated everyone who knew her — from family to school friends and teachers.”
“The first officers on scene faced the nightmare of a child who had been strangled,” said DI Rance. “They did all they could to save her. This case has left a huge impact on all involved and is one we will never forget.”
Chilling Details of the Attack
On the morning of 3 November 2017, Peters was left in charge of Sophia. He later admitted planning the murder weeks in advance, waiting for the right moment. When the house was empty, he strangled her with a dressing-gown belt.
He called 999 at 08:01, confessing, “There’s a murder… I have killed a child.” Officers arrived to find Peters waiting with Sophia upstairs. Paramedics tried to revive her before rushing her to St George’s Hospital, but she died the following day.
Family’s Heartbreaking Reaction
Sophia’s mother, Krittiya Peters, spoke out after the sentence. “I am absolutely devastated and struggling to come to terms with this. I feel betrayed and angry at my husband, who should have protected our family,” she stated.
“My priority now is to stay positive. We need peace and tranquillity. The press interest is stressful — I ask to be left alone to grieve with our family.”
Justice Served
Peters initially tried to claim diminished responsibility. But the court rejected this, sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years. The judge ruled the attack was calculated and cold-hearted.
Detective Inspector Rance added, “Sophia was vulnerable and should have been protected. Peters planned and executed this attack with cruel intent. Our thoughts remain with those affected as they try to move forward.”
