A "gentle and loving little girl" murdered by her mother who stamped on her chest, causing cardiac arrest, was failed by the system, an official report has revealed.

Derbyshire County Council's social services department says it is 'truly sorry' over its handling of Ayeeshia-Jayne Smith, known as AJ, as a serious case review into her death is published for the first time.

AJ was murdered by her mother Kathryn Smith, at their home in Britannia Drive, Stretton, in May 2014. Smith was sentenced to 24 years in April 2016, reduced to 19 years on appeal in July, while her boyfriend Matthew Rigby was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of the youngster and was sentenced to 42 months.

The serious case review conducted by the Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board said AJ was let down by a range of agencies involved in her care who put her mother, Kathryn Smith, before her own needs.

The board's report said social workers "missed danger signs" about AJ's safety - but also claims the murder could not have been predicted.

Serious Case Review publication The Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board published a Serious Case Review into the death of a Ayeeshia-Jayne Smith 21-month-old child in Burton-Upon-Trent
The Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board published a serious case review into the death of Ayeeshia-Jayne Smith

While the report said adequate health visiting practice was evident in the Derbyshire Community Health Services Foundation Trust, it added: "There is, however, some learning and improvement needed around weighing frequency and record keeping."

AJ weighed just 20lbs when she was killed by her mother, suffering broken ribs, one of which tore her heart. She died a day after a multi-agency risk assessment meeting was called due to "a growing sense of unease" about her safety. Smith had been using cannabis throughout her pregnancy and this continued after AJ.s birth, as well as the violence and child neglect.

Ayeeshia Smith was murdered by her mother

AJ was taken into foster care for eight months and made progress by gaining weight, started using words and her hair grew back from a bout of stress-induced alopecia, and despite concerns from the tot's foster mother, AJ was returned to Smith because she “had complied with all that was asked of her” and had dumped her ex-boyfriend.

The report's executive summary also said there was a lack of "professional curiosity" about the role Rigby was playing in AJ's life.

The report said: "Explanations that she was no longer in a relationship with him were accepted, and her previous history not properly taken into account."

Kathryn Smith was found guilty of murdering her daughter by stamping on her tiny chest
Kathryn Smith was found guilty of murdering her daughter by stamping on her chest

It also made reference to the men in AJ's life. There was concerns about the amount of people passing through the home, known as "transitory relationships", but there was "too much reliance on Smith to self-report them".

At the same time AJ's father, Ricky Booth, felt he "had not been listened to" or consulted by agencies or health professionals, especially when voicing his concerns about the care and safety of AJ. The relationship between him and social services broke down.

The report said: "Contact arrangements and any issues resulting in them should have been specified in the Children in Need plan, regularly reviewed and a package of support offered to Ricky to help him take on his new parenting role."

The serious case review also said all agencies concerned with the family missed the signs of Smith’s "disguised compliance" when attempting to meet their conditions and "focused too much on the parent or carer at the expense of the child".

The number of domestic incidents at Smith's flat, in Alexandra Road, Swadlincote, where AJ grew up, was also noted in the report and that Smith had moved to Stretton in February 2014, after an eviction notice was served.

Ayeeshia Smith was pictured with bruises in the months leading up to her death
Ayeeshia Smith was pictured with bruises in the months leading up to her death

The serious case review's executive summary said: “Domestic arguments between (Smith and Rigby) led to police involvement and a growing sense of unease by professionals about once again the risks to (Ayeeshia-Jayne and Smith) of domestic violence.

"This led to a multi-agency risk assessment conference being held on April 30, 2014. The following day (Ayeeshia-Jayne) died.

"It must be acknowledged that, while some risk elements were recognised, in the months leading up to the (Ayeeshia-Jayne's) death, it would appear the violence between (Smith) and her then partner was escalating, yet being minimised by her."

Time Line

Kathryn Smith - a timeline

  1. July 15, 2012

    Ayeeshia is born to 19-year-old Kathryn Smith who was no longer in a relationship with Ricky Booth, the father.

    Her midwife, Hilary Sayles, said Kathryn had been living in garage at her father's home. Mrs Sayles had concerns and that the living conditions were not of a standard and she seemed isolated. She was also concerned about Kathryn's ability to put the needs of her child before her own

    By March 2012 Kathryn went to Swadlincote and was attending Burton and South Derbyshire College. The flat was supported housing for vulnerable young women. Kathryn was appointed a social worker Denise Leavesley. Before her birth, there was a child protection conference in June 2012 to assess potential risk to the child. The child protection plan was required due to possible risk of neglect. Both midwife and social worker had no concerns, and no concerns about weight.

  2. August 2, 2012

    Denise Leavesley said she found out Kathryn had waited for three days before going to walk in centre due to Ayeeshia's vomiting.

    The walk-in centre told her to get to A&E but she never went as she said she had no way of getting there.

    Mrs Leavesley tried to encourage her to go to Incredible Babies course but Kathryn was not enthusiastic. She also had concerns about the number of people visiting the flat which placed her daughter at risk of harm.

  3. August 17, 2012

    Samantha Thompson, a children's centre worker, was appointed to Kathryn and Ayeeshia.

    She was hoping to try and help her get out, develop cooking skills.

    When she discussed the support Ms Thompson got impression it was something she didn't want. Kathryn did not want professionals interfering in her life, which was just one example of Kathryn expressing her views in forthright manner when she decided she didn't wish to do something.

    Ms Thompson repeatedly tried to contact her. She felt uncomfortable going to groups. She went to Stay and Play session which went well but she never went back.
    health visitor, derby community health service, Sarah Shaw visited, noting the flat was clean and tidy, toys were available and there was appropriate interaction between mother and child. She encouraged her to go to cooking groups.

  4. November 28, 2012

    Ayeeshia was weighed at 5.25kg and mother and baby relationship was good.

  5. December 10, 2012

    There was a core group meeting at her flat to discuss developing cooking skills.

    These sessions never happened.

  6. December 18, 2012

    Children's centre worker Ms Thompson made an unannounced visit during the late morning.

    She met Kathryn's boyfriend, who was not Matthew Rigby. Kathryn was in her nightclothes. Ayeeshia was asleep and had been awake during the night.

  7. January 2013

    Ms Thompson made efforts to meet without success and told Mrs Leavelesey she wasn't getting anywhere.

  8. January 24, 2013

    Mrs Shaw went to visit at 11am. There was no response at the door.

    At 1.15pm she received text from Kathryn apologising saying she had no credit and had been in bed.

    Mrs Shaw was worried she was in bed because she noted it as a regular occurrence.

  9. February 2013

    Kathryn told Mrs Shaw that weaning wasn't going well.

  10. February 20, 2013

    Mrs Shaw made a home visit. She said Ayeeshia was thriving and there was a good relationship.

    She was having two meals a day, half a jar at lunch, and pudding at 3pm.

  11. February 26, 2013

    Police made a domestic violence referral about Kathryn. She said her boyfriend had damaged the flat but refused to give a statement to the police. At another home visit by Mrs Shaw she gave Kathryn a copy of the report of a safeguarding meeting.

    Kathryn said she wasn't bothered reading it and thought they wanted to take child from her. Her boyfriend was banned from entering the property and she was not happy that he had been banned.

  12. February 27, 2013

    Kathryn attended a conference. It was agreed to keep Ayeeshia on a safeguarding plan under the category of emotional abuse.

    Three days earlier her boyfriend had smashed three doors.

  13. March 5, 2013

    Mrs Shaw found out about an out of hours referral to social services.

    Her boyfriend had broken a mirror. Kathryn was invited to sign a written agreement that she had no more contact with her boyfriend.

    Kathryn was denying that Ayeeshia was present during the mirror incident despite police saying she was.

    She refused to sign the agreement saying she was not happy that he must not have contact with Ayeeshia.

  14. March 6, 2013

    Mrs Shaw made an emergency visit, and saw damage to the front door. She noted emotional warmth from the child.

    Kathryn didn't want to sign the agreement, saying her boyfriend was good with Ayeeshia, that she loved him and was going to be around for the long term.

    She said he had anger issues. Mrs Shaw was concerned. She said domestic violence could have an emotional impact on children but Kathryn failed to understand.

  15. March 11, 2013

    Mrs Leavesley attended. She noted Ayeeshia was smiling. Kathryn would not sign the agreement, saying if it was 'going to be like this you might as well take Ayeeshia now'.

    She was tired of the child protection plan, and was certain the violence wouldn't happen again. Her boyfriend said it wasn't going to happen again and had been prescribed anti-depressants.

    Kathryn said: "I am not going to be made to choose."

    Mrs Leavelesy said he could not stay in the flat.

    Over the next few months she accepted he had anger issues but they were no longer arguing and he had changed.

  16. April 24, 2013

    Mandy Palmer, a coordinator for Stonham Housing Association, saw safety glass smashed and door damage near the flat.

    Kathryn didn't engage with her very well.

  17. April 29, 2013

    Mrs Shaw and Mrs Leaveley visited. Ayeeshia was asleep, and there was further damage to the front door.

    Kathryn said her boyfriend had damaged the door by kicking and punching it. He had raised his fist and pressed his forehead against hers. She gathered up Ayeeshia and left.

    She said he verbally abused her and kicked her in the stomach and later followed her around Swadlincote. She admitted that she had not reported this to the police.

    She refused to leave her flat and became angry, started swearing and told them to take Ayeeshia away.

    She later admitted that she had had an abortion.

  18. April 30, 2013

    Professionals decide it is no longer safe for her to be in flat. Mrs Leavesley makes an unannounced visit, but couldn't get her.

    She texted her and received a reply from Kathryn saying: "We are staying here in our home, not going anywhere."

    She asked the police to do safe and secure check. No sign of her boyfriend.

  19. May 1, 2013

    Mrs Leavesley had a meeting with Kathryn, told her of her concerns and risk of boyfriend and that she needed to prioritise Ayeeshia.

    Mrs Leavelesy said she was an excellent mother but her choice of partner placing Ayeeshia at risk. Kathryn walked out of the meeting but the same afternoon she came back with friends who said her boyfriend was really nice.

    An interim care order was made and social worker Steve Crean took over.

    Kathryn later said she had ended relationship with her boyfriend, but had been out shopping with his family.

    Steve Crean was concerned if she maintained relationship with the boyfriend's family she might come into contact with him.

  20. May 16, 2013

    A court hearing was held and an interim supervision order was made.

    Ayeeshia and Kathryn were to live with Kathryn's mother in Milton Keynes, but Steve Crean discovered Kathryn had come back to Swadlincote and met up with her boyfriend, saying she was bored and had nothing to do and did not want to live there. She went back to the same flat.

    Steve Crean said he would take legal advice and tried to see her.

  21. May 29, 2013

    Steve Crean saw her and Kathryn said she had not seen her boyfriend since she got back.

  22. June 5, 2013

    A court hearing was held. Kathryn said that on June 2 her boyfriend came to her flat, and she refused him entry, taking Ayeeshia from flat. Power to place with foster carer.

  23. June - October, 2013

    Ricky Booth saw Ayeeshia at a health care centre once a fortnight.

    The foster carer noted Ayeeshia was weary of men but came to trust the foster carer's husband, she was fussy with food, and woke in the night but her feeding pattern improved and she started to gain weight.

  24. August 2, 2013

    Steve Crean has an assessment session and Kathryn was put on a domestic violence course.

    Kathryn said her now ex-boyfriend had moved away and her eye were wide open and could see how abusive situations began in relationships, her priority was Ayeeshia.

  25. August 7, 2013

    A meeting was held and concluded if Ayeeshia was to come home it would be under a supervision protection order.

  26. August 29, 2013

    Ayeeshia was weighed. She was not seen naked by the health visitor and was not weighed again until eight months later.

  27. September 4, 2013

    An advocates meeting takes place. All parties agreed Kathryn has made progress.

  28. September 9, 2013

    Kathryn was allowed unsupervised visits.

  29. September 18, 2013

    Foster carer said Ayeeshia's routine had not been adhered to when she was with her mother.

  30. October 2, 2013

    A court hearing agreed Ayeeshia would return to Kathryn. Steve Crean collected her that day.

  31. October 2013

    Naomi Pantall moved in to Alexandra Road and introduced her to Rigby.

  32. October 24, 2013

    Rigby and Smith are officially in a relationship.

  33. Christmas, 2013

    Naomi said she saw some bruising to Ayeeshia's back and bottom, and fingertip marks on her back and leg.

    She raised concerns with Kathryn and threatened to tell social services but never carried out threat. She said Kathryn was manipulative and didn't want to lose contact with Ayeeshia.

  34. November, 2013

    Lizzie Nugent, a housing association worker and Mandy Palmer went to visit Kathryn, and saw a young man wearing vest top they claim was Rigby. Rigby denies this. And there was a strong smell of cannabis.

    Mrs Nugent said she heard a bang and then a child crying loudly. Kathryn opened the door and said Ayeeshia had fallen off the bed. The young man walked past them and into the flat saying Ayeeshia will be ok.

    Mrs Nugent believed it was compliance and disguise to get rid of them.

    Mrs Nugent said there was a smell of fresh and stale cannabis in the flat. Two women said this should be raised at a safeguarding alert. She said Ayeeshia's eyes were quite sunken, and that she would ring a social worker. She asked for safe and well check.

    Then she rang again the following day and rang on third day.

    Steve Crean seemed to be dismissive, she said.

  35. November 8, 2013

    Steve Crean said he her called back, but didn't input his notes on the computer until November 28.

  36. November 21, 2013

    Texts sent by Kathryn to Rigby complaining about Ricky Booth and that he didn't want Ayeeshia again.

  37. November and December, 2013

    Ricky Booth takes photos of Ayeeshia's injuries. He was bathing her when he noticed there was bruising.

    He told Steve Crean about them who he said didn't seem too interested. Mr Crean made no record but did accept he had spoken to him.

  38. January 2, 2014

    Kathryn rang the police and said someone kicked her front doors.

  39. January 3, 2014

    Mrs Shaw made a home visit but didn't see them. She noted the damage to the door. Kathryn also texted to Rigby saying kicking her door is wrong.

  40. January 4, 2014

    5am: Kathryn made a 999 call, saying someone kicked her door. Ayeeshia was with Ricky Booth. Police said the front door had split in two.

  41. January 7, 2014

    Mrs Shaw saw Kathryn and Ayeeshia. Kathryn said girls living upstairs can caused damage to the door.

    She said Rigby had kicked in the door as they were both locked out. Mrs Shaw noticed a cut to the lip and chin. Ricky Booth said the chin injury was due to a trip on the carpet.

    She noticed a bald patch on Ayeeshia's head which Kathryn said she had seen when her daughter returned from her father. Later, a child protection medical was held at Royal Derby Hospital due to the hair loss. It was diagnosed as alopecia.

  42. January 13, 2014

    Metropolitan Housing told Kathryn that Rigby was banned from the flat and she was being evicted.

  43. January 14, 2014

    Sarah Slack, a children centre worker for Kathryn and Ayeeshia made several unsuccessful attempts to see her.

  44. January 21, 2014

    Mrs Slack made home visit to Swadlincote. Kathryn said she only saw Rigby in public. She was asked how she kept Ayeeshia safe in public.

    Kathryn replied: "We don't argue in public."

  45. February 3, 2014

    Kathryn said she went out to Morrisons to buy nappies, wipes and dinner. She denied she was out to pick up cannabis but Naomi Pantall and Rigby said she had. She went out, believing he was going to have a shower.

    When she came back she found ambulance outside. Rigby said Ayeeshia was in her cot, saying Kathryn was in a rush. She wanted a spliff and he went to bathroom to get ready to go out.

    He said he didn't hear her go out but heard high pitched noise. He saw Ayeeshia was blue. Naomi Pantall heard Rigby's screams for help and phoned 999.

    A paramedic was pushed by Rigby on the shoulder. Rigby said he didn't realise who he was, saying he was making attempts to save Ayeeshia's life and was in a heightened state of emotions.

    Kathryn came over and had shopping bag.

    At Burton's Queen's Hospital doctors diagnosed the incident as a febrile convulsion after there was a witness to the seizure and evidence of a sore throat.

    However, doctors didn't recollect telling parents to strip her down if it happened again.

  46. February 5, 2014

    Steve Crean found out by chance of the incident and phoned the hospital.

  47. February 7, 2014

    Steve Crean made a supervision order meeting to the flat.

    At 11.45am, Kathryn opened the door and Mr Crean noticed the Ayeeshia was a little clingy.

    Kathryn said she was unhappy that Ricky Booth had been looking after Ayeeshia on his own.

    His attitude he would probably have been preferable if Ricky Booth's mother was present because he was living with his mother.

  48. February 13, 2014

    Steve Crean spoke to Ricky Booth on the phone.

    Mr Booth became angry and said Mrs Crean was only listening to Kathryn.

    Crean wanted to undertake a parenting assessment for Ricky Booth, who then swore and hung up. The parenting assessment never took place.

  49. February 17, 2014

    Mr Crean visited unannounced. Kathryn said Ricky Booth had not seen Ayeeshia since she was discharged from hospital.

    She stopped contact because Ayeeshia had been poorly.

  50. February 21, 2014

    They moved to Stretton. Tracey Roberts described hearing arguments which could happen at any time. She heard both voices shouting at each other. They swore.

    If they disturbed her she would bang on the wall. It was possible to hear people talking but she couldn't easily make out words. Rigby said Kathryn would kick wall back if Ms Roberts banged on the wall.

  51. February 25, 2014

    Mr Crean visited. Ayeeshia looked well and Kathryn was very attentive. It said it was a welcoming home but seemed a bit sparse.

  52. February 26, 2014

    Kathryn phoned Mr Crean, saying she had split from Rigby as it wasn't working out. She was told she had to prioritise Ayeeshia and register with new GP and mother and toddler groups.

  53. March 1, 2014

    Mr Crean made another visit. She seemed surprise to see him. Rigby and her father were there.

  54. March 11, 2014

    Rigby sent text to unknown number (maybe Kathryn), saying: "I hate you."

    Kathryn replied saying she never wanted him to leave. At 9.27pm, a 999 was call made to police. Kathryn pretended to be a neighbour.

    She told the jury she didn't want to make it worse if Rigby knew she had called the police.

    Police came over and spoke to both. The couple were watching a film in bed. It was logged as a no crime domestic incident.

  55. March 29, 2014

    Ayeeshia is seen at Burton's Queen's Hospital by Doctor Elizabeth Isaac, who could not remember who came with her to hospital. Rigby said he was there with Kathryn.

    The notes say she had banged her lower lip on bath, causing a 3x2cm cut. In her notes she said there was no history of vomiting or loss of consciousness, no known medical illness, no history of allergy.

    The doctor said she would have made a note if she was told the child had suffered a fit. Kathryn didn't remember being asked about the medical history. Rigby said he wasn't there. She was also weighed and it later revealed she had lost almost 1kg in six weeks.

  56. April 1, 2014

    Mr Crean found out about the lip incident. Kathryn said the relationship had not resumed.

    She said Ayeeshia had banged her lip when Kathryn was in the bath. There was no mention of Rigby. Kathryn later said she had not witnessed the incident.

  57. April 4, 2014

    Kathryn sent text to Mr Crean, saying: "Matthew threatened to text you lies to make you take Ayeeshia, just a heads up."

    At the same time, she called 999. Ayeeshia is heard calling out 'mummy'.

    Kathryn tells the operator that Rigby is going to cut himself and blame it on her.

    She was heard saying: "Put it down, Matt."

    Kathryn later said she did not know if he had a weapon. She said she heard the kitchen knives box. Rigby said he had a mobile phone.

  58. April 4, 2014

    Kathryn called 999, asking police to remove her 'ex partner' from her home, saying: "He is getting me killed within a week."

    Police came, Rigby was not there. Ayeeshia was there and seemed happy. She signed a restraining order, and the matter was referred to fire service after a threat to burn house down.

    A secure letterbox was to be installed. During the argument Kathryn said Rigby dragged Ayeeshia's cot out into the garden, but did not burn it.

    She left Ayeeshia in the house and ran after Rigby down the street. He later said he would blow up the house.

  59. April 4, 2014

    Mr Crean sent her a text asking how she was. Mr Crean sent her a text, and went round. Kathryn was at home with Ayeeshia and no one else. Ayeeshia looked well, flat was fine, and she was asked about the text.

    Kathryn sent two texts to Rigby, saying she was in trouble with Mr Crean. She realised it was just an argument.

  60. April 5, 2014

    Kathryn rang the police to retract the statement. She said they were not going to see each other anymore, and she didn't believe his threats.

  61. April 7, 2014

    Burton watch manager at Burton fire station, Gary Phillips, fitted the letter box at her flat and did a fire safety check. He noticed Kathryn had a glazed expression and was slow in response. He smelt cannabis and saw a young child which is believed to be Ayeeshia.

    Judge Andrews said: "He was the only witness who said Kathryn was with Ayeeshia under the influence of cannabis."

    Kathryn said she wasn't under the influence. His concerns were sent to social services.

  62. April 8, 2014

    Mr Crean got email from the police about their attendance on April 4.

  63. April 9, 2014

    Mr Crean had a supervision discussion. Kathryn did not mention the domestic violence incident and that Ayeeshia was present.

    Later attempted to give Kathryn an agreement to sign to keep Rigby away from her.

  64. April 10, 2014

    Mr Crean took it around the next morning. Rigby was arrested and interviewed and gave his side of the story about April 4 and denied he burnt a cot.

    Mr Crean made unannounced visit to her home. He noticed the door was ajar and pushed it open. Kathryn was tackled about report from police about burning Ayeeshia's cot.

    Kathryn said he burnt a Moses basket, and she wasn't going to sign an agreement to keep Rigby away from Ayeeshia as the previous care proceedings started because of her ex-boyfriend's agreement.

    She said she had done everything that had been asked of her and Rigby was nothing like her ex-boyfriend. Mr Crean noticed that Ayeeshia didn't get upset or distressed while her mother was getting upset and angry.

  65. April 10, 2014

    Mr Crean received a text from Kathryn saying she wouldn't sign the agreement, saying she did an eight month course on domestic violence so she knew what it was.

  66. April 10-17, 2014

    Neighbour Tracey Roberts overheard a particular argument between the couple. She heard raised voices and a bit of screaming and swearing, both were shouting. She heard the voice of a child, saying 'stop mummy, stop daddy'.

    The couple said Ayeeshia called Rigby 'Matt', not Daddy, but Rigby twice said she did call him daddy in his police interview.

  67. April 14, 2014

    Kathryn Humphries, health visitor, arrived at the flat at 11.30am and had no response, then knocked again. Kathryn opened the door in her nightwear. Ayeeshia was wearing a nappy. Humphries was unaware she was weighed in hospital.

  68. April 16, 2014

    Kathryn went to a hair loss follow-up. Doctors found her hair had stabilised and there was no other hair loss. There was no known cause of the alopecia.

  69. April 17, 2014

    Two community care workers went along to get Kathryn to take a drugs test, after call from the fire officer. There was no sign of Ayeeshia.

    There was a smell of cannabis strongly in the lounge but Kathryn did not appear to be under the influence.

    She was asked to take test and refused because she knew she would fail it.

  70. April 21, 2014

    Ricky Booth saw Ayeeshia alive for last time.

  71. April 24, 2014

    Rigby texted Kathryn saying he needed to get out of his bad moods.

    Ayeeshia is seen by Helen Arnold at the clinic. There was a faint bruise on bridge of nose which Kathryn said was caused by fall off the potty.

    She only managed to strip Ayeeshia to her vest because she was distressed. She weighed 9.14kg.

  72. April 25, 2014

    Mr Crean made an unannounced visit. Kathryn was alone. Mr Crean said she looked spaced out. He couldn't smell anything, but she wouldn't let him in.

    She later text him saying she wanted a new social worker.

  73. April 26, 2014

    Rigby sent a text to Kathryn saying: "Don't bother texting me, don't be beating the dog it's not his fault."

    Kathryn said she would never beat the dog.

  74. April 30, 2014

    A multi agency risk assessment meeting was held in Tamworth and convened because of the threat by Rigby to set fire to the house and the police were called.

    It was decided that Mr Crean, with a domestic abuse prevention worker, would arrange a joint visit to the home.

    Mr Crean said he was still unsure whether Kathryn and Rigby were in a relationship. She said they weren't.

    Kathryn sent texts to her father to come over with money he owed her. Rigby and Kathryn took Ayeeshia to Rigby's grandparents in Nottingham.

    The grandparents saw no marks or bruises when she was being changed.

    However Judge Andrews said: "But you would see the child lying on her back."

    Texts to her father that day continued where she said: "You know I haven't eaten for a week. You both (her father and mother) only have your precious James (Kathryn's brother) to care about, you don't have a daughter."

    Kathryn later said she didn't mean any of it.

  75. May 1, 2014

    Kathryn texts her parents about the money. At 10.30am Ayeeshia got up and watched a film. They later went to the co-op, in Stretton. She sent a text to her father about blowing his door off.

    Her father later gave her the money at her flat and left. Rigby said he took Ayeeshia in the house and put her on sofa. He said Kathryn was still angry and upset but didn't ask her anything.

    Tracey Roberts left her flat, saw Kathryn pulling off the ivy and said hello, she didn't see Rigby.

    Ms Roberts returned and saw the couple with a pile of ivy.

    She said she heard shouting from flat, a man's voice, shouting went on for five minutes on and off.

    Police knocked on the door. Mr Crean later sent a text saying he wanted to visit, but never received response.

    Ambulance was called. Paramedics said she was cold to touch.

    Detectives and child protection officers notified.

    Arrived at hospital. Smith said to one paramedic she wanted to call for an ambulance sooner but Rigby told her not to. Kathryn later said this wasn't correct.

    Twenty minutes after Ayeeshia died, police spoke to the couple.

  76. May 1, 2014

    Detectives speak to the couple in a room with Ayeeshia. Things became heated when they said bruising had been found on Ayeeshia's back. Kathryn said it had been caused by the potty.

    The couple were described as hostile and Kathryn was aggressive.

    Rigby questioned police powers to do a search.

    Kathryn was angry and accused police of saying she had battered her child. Kathryn was pulling on the door, but police were blocking her.

    She said if the officer didn't move she would hit her. The officer said she had never experienced such hostility.

    The couple left hospital. Kathryn went to the police station. Rigby was concerned about his dog, which was then taken to kennels.

    When told by police he will have to come for an interview the next day, he said: "You'll have to play Where's Wally to find me."

  77. September 23, 2015

    Kathryn Smith, 23, and her partner Matthew Rigby, 22, appear at Stafford Crown Court on September 23 where they both deny murdering Ayeeshia.

  78. February 25, 2016

    Murder trial begins at Birmingham Crown Court.

  79. April 8, 2016

    Kathryn Smith convicted of murdering her daughter.

  80. April 11, 2016

    Kathryn Smith sentenced to life with a minimum of 24 years for the murder of her daughter, Ayeeshia.

    Matthew Rigby is sentenced to 42 months for causing or allowing the death of a child.

  81. May 2016

    A serious case review is launched to consider the alleged failings by social services at Derbyshire County Council.

  82. November 2016

    Kathryn Smith launches an appeal to overturn her conviction. Her defence argues that an interruption by the trial judge as she made her closing speech in Smith's defence caused "prejudice" in the minds of jurors.

    The serious case review is halted until the appeal has concluded.

  83. March 2017

    Appeal ruling is postponed as fresh new medical evidence emerges.

  84. August 2017

    Kathryn Smith loses her appeal but sees her minimum sentence reduced from 24 to 19 years

  85. September 5, 2017

    A serious case review into the handling her AJ's case is published, highlighting missed opportunities