Father Jailed for Life Over Murder of His Seven-Year-Old Daughter
A dad from Raynes Park has been sentenced to life behind bars, with a minimum of 24 years, after pleading guilty to strangling his seven-year-old daughter. Robert Peters, 56, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday, 30 April.
Horrific Crime Shocks Community
Detective Inspector Helen Rance, leading the investigation, described the tragedy as “truly dreadful.” She said, “Sophia Peters was a loving child whose loss has devastated family, friends and teachers alike. The fact her own father took her life is heartbreaking.”
DI Rance revealed how police and paramedics faced the nightmare first-hand when called to the scene. “Officers found Sophia strangled with a dressing-gown belt. They did everything possible to save her,” she added. Despite their efforts, Sophia died the following day in intensive care.
Calculated and Cold-Hearted Attack
The court heard Peters had planned the attack weeks in advance. When the coast was clear, he struck his own daughter. After the strangulation, he calmly called 999, confessing his crime: “There’s a murder… I have.”
DI Rance said, “He was calculating and deliberate, striking when Sophia was vulnerable. His diminished responsibility claim failed—he got the full murder conviction he deserved.”
Family Left Devastated
Sophia’s mother, Krittiya Peters, spoke out about her heartbreak and anger. “I feel betrayed by my husband—the man who should have kept our family safe,” she said. “The loss of Sophia is devastating. We need peace and tranquillity to try to move on.”
She added that the press interest had been stressful and pleaded, “Please leave us alone to grieve in peace.”
The Timeline of Events
- 3 November 2017: Peters was left alone with Sophia at home.
- He strangled her with a dressing-gown belt after weeks of planning.
- He called 999 at 8:01am, admitting the murder.
- Police arrived minutes later; Peters confessed immediately.
- Sophia was taken to St George’s Hospital but died on 4 November.
- Peters was charged with attempted murder and later, murder.
The Old Bailey trial closed a shocking chapter for the family and the community. Sophia’s tragic death will not be forgotten.
