A MAN has been found guilty of murdering two-year-old Lola James, while her mother has also been found guilty of allowing her death. 

Kyle Bevan, 31, of Aberystwyth, had denied a charge of murder, claiming that the family dog had knocked Lola down the stairs on July 17, 2020.

Lola died in hospital four days later.

Sinead James, 30, of Neyland, denied causing or allowing the death of her two-year-old daughter.

After hearing evidence for three-and-a-half weeks, the jury retired on Friday to consider their verdicts.

And after just short of 10 hours of deliberations across three days, the jury unanimously found both defendants guilty.

They will be sentenced on Tuesday, April 25.

Bevan was told to expect life imprisonment and was remanded in custody, while James remains on bail.

The court heard there are new sentencing guidance for the charge of causing or allowing the death of a child which set out a custodial sentence as a starting point.

The judge, The Honourable Mr Justice Griffiths, thanked the jury for their service throughout the trial.

“No doubt this case has been more difficult than most,” he added.

Western Telegraph: Lola's family have said they will never get over her loss.Lola's family have said they will never get over her loss. (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

Following the verdicts, DCI Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said Bevan's actions were “abhorrent and evil”, while Sinead James “failed in her duty towards her daughter”.

Daniel Thomas, Lola's dad, said that she was “so loved” and “missed every single day”, while her grandmother, Nicola James, said Lola “will forever be our diamond up in the sky”.

NSPCC Cymru’s assistant director Tracey Holdsworth said: “This is another tragic case where a young child has died at the hands of those who she depended on.

“Lola deserved a happy and healthy future, but that was cruelly taken away by the horrendous actions of Kyle Bevan and the failure of her mother, Sinead James, to intervene. 

“The Child Practice Review into Lola’s death must establish whether more could have been done by agencies to save her, and drive the action required to help prevent such tragic cases in the future.

“Now is the time to make child protection a national priority. The Welsh Government has rightly committed to transforming children’s social care and it’s crucial this leads to systemic changes that ensure children like Lola are better protected.

“We can all look out for children’s welfare, and anyone concerned about a child can call the NSPCC free helpline on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk. If a child is in immediate danger, please call 999.”