In 2019, Jonathan Garner, then aged 26, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for murder, and Samantha Gregson, then aged 26, was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for causing or allowing the death of her 23-month-old daughter, Mia Gregson.
The sentences were handed down at Sheffield Crown Court following a seven-week trial that concluded a nearly six-year search for justice conducted by Humberside Police.
The court heard that the couple resided with Mia at an address in Gipsyville, west Hull, where the child was subjected to weeks of persistent physical assaults, threats, and shouting.
Medical evidence presented to the jury established that Mia had suffered extensive injuries, including:
- Bruising across her head and facial area
- A twisted fracture to her ankle bone
- Suspected burns inflicted by a lit cigarette
On 13 February 2014, Garner deliberately smothered the 23-month-old child because she was crying.
The smothering caused the infant to suffer a cardiac arrest, culminating in severe, irreversible brain damage that proved fatal later that day in hospital.
The trial established that Gregson was awake and present inside the room when Garner carried out the fatal smothering, but failed to intervene to protect her daughter.
The prosecution disclosed that social services had specifically warned Gregson against entering into a relationship with Garner, cautioning her that he had a record of violent conduct in prior relationships and presented a clear physical danger to children.
Gregson ignored the warnings and permitted Garner to move into the home.
Following jury deliberations, Garner was convicted of murder, and Gregson was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child.
Mr Justice Goss stated it was highly likely that the fatal assault was not the first time Mia had been smothered by Garner, condemning Gregson for failing to access help despite being aware of the ongoing abuse from at least mid-January 2014.
The judge ordered Garner to serve life imprisonment with a minimum tariff of 20 years before he can be considered for parole.
Gregson was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment (48 months).
Release Calculation: Under UK sentencing legislation governing standard determinate non-sexual offences, Gregson was required to serve one-half (24 months / 2 years) of her 48-month sentence in prison custody before becoming eligible for automatic statutory release on licence, serving the remaining two years under community supervision. Garner remains subject to his life tariff, requiring him to serve a minimum of 20 full years in custody before the Parole Board can evaluate his suitability for release.
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