Father jailed for killing daughter
NEW PLYMOUTH: A man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison after killing his 2yearold daughter in a moment of ‘‘true horror’’ at their Hawera home.
Philip Murray Kinraid (29) appeared in the High Court at New Plymouth on Wednesday and was sentenced to four years and three months in prison.
Last November 23, the chemical engineer, who worked at Fonterra, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of toddler Esme Claire Kinraid.
Emergency services were called to the Victoria St house about 11pm on June 26, 2015. Attempts to revive the girl were unsuccessful.
Justice Rebecca Ellis told the court before Kinraid had left for work he put his two children to bed shortly after 7pm.
Kinraid wrapped his daughter in a blanket, but Esme kicked it off. He then placed the toddler facedown on a pillow, and forced her down with his right arm.
Justice Ellis said Esme was ‘‘squirming’’ and making noises, ‘‘inhaling and exhaling while she screamed’’.
After Kinraid returned from work, he checked on the toddler, who appeared ‘‘unnaturally stiff’’.
When he turned her over, Kinraid noticed one of his daughter’s eyes was half open, and half her face was colourless.
Kinraid told the 111 operator: ‘‘I think I may have killed my daughter.’’
When emergency services arrived he told police, ‘‘I might have committed manslaughter’’.
He also appeared suicidal and asked police to shoot him.
Crown prosecutor Justin Marinovich said Esme’s mother was suffering a ‘‘clear feeling of loss and pain’’.
‘‘She is now a mother growing old without the memories and achievements of her daughter.’’
Kinraid has been living with his brother in Dunedin.
Justice Ellis suppressed the name of Kinraid’s expartner, the mother of Esme, and several names and identifying factors of people known to him.
Kinraid’s former partner and their 5yearold son no longer live in Taranaki.
In December 2015, Kinraid breached his bail conditions by failing to report to the Dunedin Central Police Station.
He was placed in custody on Christmas Day 2015 until a hearing on January 7, 2016, when he was again granted bail. — NZME