Tiny Toddler Holly Roe Dies After Shocking Head Injuries
Paramedics arrived at a home in the early hours of 10 September 2018 to find baby Holly Roe not breathing and without a heartbeat. Despite desperate attempts to save her, Holly was pronounced dead just hours later.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Blamed for Death
A post-mortem revealed Holly’s cause of death was a severe head injury caused by shaking. Pathologists concluded the injuries were consistent with violent shaking, pointing to foul play.
Father Convicted of Murder, Partner Guilty of Neglect
At Hove Crown Court, Michael Roe was found guilty of murdering his daughter. His partner, Tiffany Tate, was convicted for allowing Holly’s death by failing to protect her.
Roe denied shaking Holly, but he was the last person to see her alive. Witnesses, including Tiffany, described Roe’s impatience with the baby, even trying to feed her through her nose with a syringe.
Warnings Ignored Before Tragedy Struck
- Just days before Holly’s death, she stopped breathing and Roe performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- He told Tate not to inform the police despite Holly being rushed to hospital.
“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.
“Holly was subjected to horrific injuries while in her parents’ care, injuries that would have been obvious to anyone watching her. Yet both parents claimed she was fine.”
“Medical experts showed a clear pattern of abuse linked to Michael Roe, who often lost patience and was alone with Holly during feeding times. Tiffany Tate knew about this but did nothing to stop it, exposing Holly to further risk.”
