A woman, referred to as an “evil mother,” was seen dancing in a TikTok video shortly after her three-year-old daughter passed away due to injuries inflicted by her and her partner. Nicola Priest, aged 27, was given a 15-year prison sentence in August 2021 for causing the death of her daughter, Kaylee-Jayde Priest. She had disparagingly labeled her daughter as a “little b****” and a “rat.”
During the trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Gurdeep Garcha QC, representing Priest’s partner Callum Redfern, questioned Priest about her social media presence, to which she acknowledged having a TikTok account. Redfern, aged 26, also received a 14-year prison sentence alongside Priest for their involvement in the child’s death.
Priest admitted to posting a video titled “My Version” with a smiling emoji just days before her daughter’s demise while residing in supported housing. The video captured her dancing and smiling. The court revealed that this occurred 45 days after Kaylee’s passing.
Kaylee was found lifeless in the apartment she shared with her mother on August 9, 2020, shortly after Priest had sent a threatening text to harm the child. Medical experts equated Kaylee’s injuries to those typically seen in a child struck by a car moving at 40mph or falling from a significant height onto a hard surface.
Despite Priest calling emergency services (999), the jury determined that Kaylee was already deceased before the call was made. The court described Kaylee as a vibrant and joyful child who suffered fatal chest and abdominal injuries while at Priest’s residence in Solihull. Additional examinations indicated that Kaylee had previously endured fractures, broken ribs, and a broken sternum.
Priest, with no prior criminal record and characterized by experts as having limited intelligence, was also convicted of child cruelty for the child’s prior injuries. However, Redfern was acquitted of this charge.
Mr. Justice Foxton QC, who presided over the case, condemned the duo, emphasizing their neglectful and cruel treatment towards Kaylee. He mentioned that Kaylee was physically assaulted by the pair, leading to her fatal condition, and a prompt call for medical help could have saved her life.
In response to questioning during a police interview, Redfern callously stated that Kaylee’s death had not affected him significantly, claiming no emotional attachment to the child. Priest, visibly emotional in a yellow jumper, broke down in tears as she was sentenced, while Redfern, wearing a grey T-shirt and a mask, remained stoic.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed Priest’s abusive behavior towards Kaylee, including hitting her and using derogatory language. Text messages exchanged between Priest and Redfern indicated malicious intent towards the child, with Priest expressing her intention to harm Kaylee and Redfern encouraging such actions.
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