Tragic Death of Baby Holly Roe: Dad Convicted of Murder
Paramedics found baby Holly Roe lifeless and without a heartbeat in the early hours of 10 September 2018. Despite desperate efforts to revive her, she was pronounced dead just an hour later.
Shocking Cause: Head Injury from Shaking
A post-mortem revealed Holly died from a severe head injury, believed by one pathologist to be caused by forceful shaking. The horror unfolded just days after she was brought home as a fragile, premature baby.
Dad Found Guilty, Partner Convicted for Failing to Protect
At Hove Crown Court, Michael Roe was convicted of murdering his daughter. His partner, Tiffany Tate, was found guilty of allowing the death to happen by not intervening. Roe denied shaking Holly but was the last person to see her alive. Witnesses revealed he had a short temper, once trying to feed Holly through her nose with a syringe.
Less than a week before her death, Holly stopped breathing. Roe performed mouth-to-mouth to save her but told Tate not to tell police after Holly was rushed to hospital.
CPS Statement Highlights Failed Protection
“This is an absolutely tragic case involving a tiny, premature baby who had barely any time out of hospital before her death,” said Libby Clark from the CPS.
“When she was brought home, Holly suffered horrific injuries – injuries that anyone caring for her would have noticed immediately. Instead, her parents denied anything was wrong.
“Medical experts confirmed Holly’s injuries matched previous incidents, revealing a pattern of abuse by Michael Roe. He fed her alone, lost his temper easily, and was responsible for her harm.
“Despite knowing this, Tiffany Tate failed to alert authorities, leaving Holly exposed to further danger.”
