Kyle Kitchen faces trial for the murder of his daughter, Primrose Kane, who died six years after a severe assault.
Primrose suffered terrible brain damage and a fractured skull. Jurors learned she was left severely disabled and endured constant pain. Primrose later died at age six.
The jurors learned Kitchen already served time for assaulting Primrose. He now faces a murder charge. This trial started on Tuesday, the court heard.
Jennifer Knight KC is the prosecutor. She stated Primrose lived with her parents in a small room in Camden, north London.
The couple often argued, Knight said. Kitchen was even arrested before and got a warning for hitting his partner on September 29, 2014.
Kitchen slapped Kenzey Kane while she held the baby, because the baby cried. The serious assault happened when they were alone in November 2014.
Kane called for help early on November 3rd, saying Primrose was limp and unresponsive. Her baby made strange noises and movements during the night, she stated.
Kitchen allegedly mentioned blood around her nose and said she was not breathing. Paramedics arrived quickly to help the baby and found Primrose unresponsive.
The paramedics rushed her to a hospital in north London. Scans showed a fractured skull and brain injury, which her parents could not explain.
Primrose then went to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Doctors confirmed the extent of her injuries and Knight told jurors she would have lasting neurological problems.
Primrose stayed hospitalized for six weeks. After this, her grandmother, Maria Kane, cared for her. Both parents were arrested on November 4, 2014, and they denied hurting Primrose.
Kitchen was found guilty in court of causing grievous bodily harm on two counts. This reflected the skull fracture and shaking injuries. Kenzey Kane failed to protect her daughter and was found guilty as well.
Primrose developed many health issues later due to the brain injury. She had cerebral palsy and feeding problems. Also, she could not speak and had seizures.
Her life quality was very poor, jurors heard. Doctors decided not to resuscitate her in 2016, as her condition was severe at such a young age.
Despite her disabilities, she attended a special school in Plumstead. The headteacher said she was “characterful.” She went there until she died.
Primrose slept with her grandmother on May 16, 2021. Her grandmother woke up before 5 a.m. and stated the girl’s noisy breathing had stopped.
Paramedics came, but Primrose was dead. The time of death was 5:23 a.m. An exam showed her death stemmed from the head injury when she was a baby.
Knight said Kitchen refused to be interviewed and is already in Frankland prison, serving his sentence there.
Knight stated Kitchen’s convictions prove guilt and said he is guilty of murder now. She also declared, “It is for Kyle Kitchen to prove that he did not commit these offenses.”
Kitchen denies the murder charge. The trial continues at the Old Bailey court.