Casey murder: Uncle jailed for life

Drunken Michael Mullen raped and then strangled Casey Leigh Mullen as she slept in her bedroom - just yards from the safety of her mother.

Leeds Crown Court was told the tot trusted and loved her 21-year-old uncle and "her fear and her pain" could only be imagined. Mullen used a ligature, possibly a flex or piece of string, to strangle his niece before fleeing the house in a taxi.

The court was told Mullen had a history of interest in sexual activity with children and police found indecent images of youngsters on his computer, as well as a video of a sadistic nature. Police also found an image of Casey, who was naked from the waist down, on his mobile telephone.

Psychiatric reports said he suffered from a "psychopathic disorder which is not treatable".

Sentencing him to a minimum of 35 years in prison, Mr Justice Simon said: "The rape and murder of this little girl by someone she trusted and loved were appalling crimes. You are a very dangerous man who is capable of lethal, violent, sexual crimes against children and you will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. How and why you came to commit these crimes against Casey, who would have felt safe and secure in your presence, is beyond all understanding."

Police said Mullen had "committed an act of wickedness beyond belief" and welcomed the lengthy sentence.

Meanwhile, agencies involved in child protection have ordered a review into the circumstances surrounding the death. Mullen was arrested after the toddler was found smeared in blood at her home in Oak Tree Crescent, Gipton, Leeds, on February 11. Her uncle carried out the attack after bingeing on beer and vodka with his brother David, the baby's natural father.

Following the case, Casey's parents, Samantha and David, spoke of their relief at the outcome of the hearing. In a statement they said: "We have some very happy memories of Casey Leigh and she will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts. She was a special little girl. We thank the good people of Leeds and particularly all those who sent us cards and letters. Those were a great comfort to us."

Mullen, of Lawrence Road, Leeds, was ordered to serve 17 years for the rape, to run concurrently with the 35-year tariff for murder. Dressed in a faded purple sweatshirt, Mullen sat with his shoulders hunched and his head bowed throughout the proceedings. He refused to look at the public gallery, where relatives and friends of the family sobbed and consoled each other as the harrowing details were outlined to the court.