The Murder of little Lola: Girl, 2, dies of 'brain injury' after sick attacker left her with 101 wounds
HAVERFORD WEST, WALES: Kyle Bevan, 31, was found guilty of killing a 2-year-old child in July 2020 in Wales. Her mother, Sinead James, 30, was found guilty of causing or allowing her death. According to reports, she died due to a "catastrophic head injury." Bevan blamed the family dog for the shocking accident.
It was found that Bevan used drugs, including Xanax, cannabis, and amphetamines, and had a volatile temper at the time of the murder. Meanwhile, the police reports suggest that the child experienced head trauma that is similar to a high-velocity car crash.
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How was Lola James Killed?
Lola was killed on July 16, 2020. After Bevan allegedly killed the toddler, the turning point in the murder included him searching on the internet regarding head injuries and clicking pictures on the phone of her limp body. Police also realized that the toddler appeared to have been washed, with temporary tattoos as well as her head was wet. Meanwhile, her frozen body with vomit was hidden inside their cupboard.
Though she was rushed to the hospital, she couldn't be saved. Meanwhile, Bevan claimed that it was their family dog that killed James. However, he failed to produce evidence. Though the mother was asleep at that time, she was charged for allowing the death to happen. The statement said, "instead choosing to prioritize her relationship with him over her own daughter’s physical safety," as per Wales Online.
Official statement
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Gareth Roberts claimed, "Lola had 101 external injuries to her body, and her death was caused by a catastrophic brain injury, likely caused by blunt force trauma – punching or slapping – shaking, or a combination of both. Bevan delayed raising the alarm and seeking medical attention for at least an hour after he inflicted the fatal injuries, and in the time since, he has shown no remorse, emotion or any care for Lola." Further, he added, "Consumed by his own self-preservation, Bevan lied and fabricated an accidental stair fall to try and cover his tracks but with the help of medical experts, we have been able to prove that his actions were deliberate, abhorrent and evil."
Roberts also added, "Lola should have been able to rely on her own mother to keep her safe from harm and physical risk. However, Sinead James seriously failed in her duty towards her daughter. She was, or at least ought to have been, well aware of the risk of violence which Bevan posed to her child but did nothing to protect Lola from the danger which he presented. Neither Bevan or James were open to any agency at that time and there was no external professional assessment of their new relationship. This investigation commenced after police officers were called to Princess Royal Way in Haverfordwest on Friday, July 17, 2020, to a report of an injured two-year-old child, falsely presented by Bevan as a stair fall."
In addition, he stated, "Tragically, Lola James had suffered a significant brain injury and died three days later on July 20. Medical experts subsequently noted 101 separate injuries to her body, most of which were determined as abusive inflicted injuries - they were deemed to be non-accidental and not consistent with a stair fall. Concerns were raised from the outset, and an investigation was commenced that has been complex, exhaustive, and emotionally demanding for all professionals due to the clear horrific abuse of a vulnerable child."
Roberts added, "A significant volume of probative evidence was gathered that contradicted the lies of Bevan, with the compelling medical expert opinion being critical. Specialist officers have supported Lola’s close family throughout the difficult and distressing investigation. I’d like to thank the community, many of which were brave to provide important witness testimony. I’d also like to personally thank Lola’s family for the respectful manner that they have conducted themselves as this difficult investigation progressed. The love for Lola is clear and it is a tragedy that will be difficult to overcome. However, I hope this outcome brings some comfort."
What was the statement from Lola James' family?
Lola's grandmother, Nicola James stated, "My last memory with Lola is hearing her singing the song Diamonds by Rihanna. She will forever be our diamond up in the sky, we will never ever forget her, and we will continue to keep her memory alive. As a family, we will never get over this; the loss that we feel is indescribable." Lola's father, Daniel Thomas, said, "The pain I feel thinking of all the smiles you gave to me and all the smiles I won't get a chance to give back to you hurts so much. Even to say your name shatters my heart to know you can't hear my voice anymore. The only reason I can stand here today is for the hope that you can see me, see that you were loved, and that you deserved to live a full, happy, safe life surrounded by the joy that you gave to others. I'm so sorry your short life was filled with so much pain. You are so loved, Lola, and so missed every single day," as reported by BBC.
The pathetic state of Lola James' home
The family’s health visitor, Lesley Steadman, said the front room was tidy but cluttered. Meanwhile, Casey Morgan, a friend of James, told the jury that “the house was dirty and it smelled” and was “a mess." Nicola claimed, “She had difficulty keeping up with the house." Sean James, James’ cousin, said the house was “very messy. A few days later, there had been no effort to tidy up,” he said. Neighbour Tracey Taylor stated, “Sinead did not seem to wash up or clean," as per County Times.
Sinead James blames herself for Lola's death
David Elias, the lawyer of Sinead, claimed that she never in a million years expected anything to happen to Lola. Sinead James woke to every parent’s worst nightmare,” he said. “One of her young children collapsed, desperately needing medical help. She had no clue what had happened. She had no idea that anything like that was ever going to happen." He further added, "Sinead James has spent her life as a mother dealing with abusive men and protecting her children. She’s always done that as they are her world. With the hindsight she has now, she is always going to blame herself for what happened to Lola."
"But that does not make her guilty of this offense. As far as her relationship with Kyle is concerned, it was completely different from [her abusive ex-partner]. I’m not here to suggest it was a perfect relationship,” he said, asserting, “Of course, it wasn’t.” The lawyer claimed, “What parent is not going to say then ‘I’ve failed them?” he said.“She’s going to say that to herself for the rest of her life. But that’s with hindsight. What she now knows, not what she knew then.”
Statement from Kyle Bevan's lawyer
John Hipkin, representing Bevan, said the defendant was “whiter than white." He also had character failures due to drug consumption, acknowledged by the lawyer. “But does that make him a child murderer?” he asked. “By the time she came to give her evidence, that became ‘I put my life on the line to save my child by diving into the road. They can’t both be true," said the lawyer. Hipkin also highlighted a statement made by Morgan, his cousin, on Bevan. He said to the prosecution, "I didn’t like him. I said it to Sinead almost straight away. He is showing signs of being controlling. I told her more than once, but she didn’t listen."
He then revealed, on May 15, Morgan texted Sinead and wrote, "Just you and he be happy. You’re both good people." Later, on June 5, Hipkins messaged Bevan and wrote, "Please, Kyle, keep the relationship going." "The point I am seeking to make is to look perhaps in a fair way at what was being said at the time," he said. “This shows the real danger of hindsight and paints a very different picture,” he said. About the incident, the lawyer added, “Not only had Kyle Bevan come to the house, but what is also true is the dog had come to the house and had been there for a number of weeks," as per Western Telegraph.