18 years for ‘ barbaric’ foster mum who murdered tot
A FOSTER mother who murdered a toddler after subjecting her to “barbaric” abuse was yesterday jailed for at least 18 years.
Kandyce Downer, 35, killed Keegan Downer less than a year after becoming her legal guardian.
Birmingham Crown Court heard the 18- month- old girl had 153 scars and bruises from abuse police described as “barbaric and evil”.
A post- mortem examination revealed Keegan died from a combination of old head injuries, septicaemia, a bacterial infection and blunt chest trauma.
Judge Mrs Justice Frances Patterson told the three- week trial: “Keegan’s brain was underdeveloped because of layers of scar tissue brought on over time.”
One medic said her facial injuries were the worst he had seen. Keegan died at the family home last September after suffering more than 200 injuries including seven broken ribs, broken legs and severe head and spine injuries.
Mother- of- four Downer was convicted yesterday of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
Branding her “vicious and unfeeling”, the judge added: “This is a serious case involving the killing of a defenceless child who deserved protection.
“It is an horrific tale of callous conduct. At no stage have you shown any remorse.
“Why you changed from being a loving, caring mother to a brutal attacker of a defenceless child is a mystery.” Keegan was removed from her heroin addict mother days after her birth in March 2014 and placed with a foster carer.
But in January last year Downer was appointed her guardian.
Police fear Downer only wanted to rake in the £ 125- a- week maintenance payments. She also secured a four- figure sum from Birmingham City Council towards a new car.
Keegan was last seen by a health visitor and approved five months before her death, the court heard.
Business student Downer denied murder but admitted leaving Keegan alone on the day she died to take her own daughter out.
Keegan was found unconscious after suffering a cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
A review of social services contact is due in the summer.