A woman, labeled as a “malevolent mother,” was seen dancing in a TikTok video shortly after her three-year-old daughter passed away due to injuries caused by her and her partner. Nicola Priest, aged 27, was handed a 15-year prison sentence in August 2021 for the death of her daughter, Kaylee-Jayde Priest, whom she harshly referred to as a “little b****” and a “rat.”
During the trial held at Birmingham Crown Court, Gurdeep Garcha QC, representing Priest’s partner Callum Redfern, questioned the mother about her social media activities, to which she acknowledged having a TikTok account. Redfern, aged 26, was also sentenced to 14 years in prison alongside Priest after both were found guilty of manslaughter.
Admitting that she had posted a video titled “My Version” with a smiling emoji just days before her daughter’s tragic demise while residing in supported accommodation, Priest defended herself by stating that her actions did not reflect a lack of sorrow for her daughter. The court heard that in the video, Priest was dancing and smiling, prompting Mr. Garcha to question her about the timing of the video, which was 45 days post the child’s death.
Kaylee was discovered lifeless in the flat she shared with her mother on August 9, 2020, shortly after Priest sent a threatening text regarding the child’s life. Forensic experts likened Kaylee’s injuries to those of a child struck by a car at 40mph or falling from a considerable height onto a hard surface.
Despite a 999 call made by the child’s mother, the jury found Priest guilty, determining that Kaylee had already passed away prior to the emergency call. The young girl, described as vibrant and cheerful in court, succumbed to severe chest and abdominal injuries sustained at Priest’s residence in Solihull. Medical assessments uncovered additional previous injuries suffered by Kaylee, including broken ribs, lower leg fractures, and a fractured sternum.
Although Priest had no prior criminal record and was deemed to possess a low level of intelligence by experts, she was convicted of child cruelty concerning the girl’s previous injuries, while Redfern was cleared of that accusation. Mr. Justice Foxton QC, in his sentencing remarks, condemned the pair for their callous and brutal treatment of Kaylee, emphasizing that prompt medical help could have saved the child’s life.
The judge criticized Redfern for his indifferent and cruel behavior towards Kaylee. During a police interview, Redfern callously stated that the child’s death had not affected him as she was not his own. As Priest, wearing a yellow jumper, broke down in tears and was led away to prison, Redfern, in a gray T-shirt and mask, remained impassive.
Testimonies presented in court highlighted instances of Priest physically assaulting Kaylee and verbally abusing her. In a text exchange just days before the tragedy, Priest expressed intentions to harm the child, with Redfern encouraging her actions. The exchange culminated in Priest affirming her commitment to carrying out the violent act as suggested by Redfern.