| Mum jailed for 'evil' Naomi murder |
Published By: Mathew White
On Wednesday 24 September 2008 |
A father whose wife murdered their disabled daughter has called her actions 'evil'.
Simon Hill spoke out after Joanne Hill was jailed for life for drowning four-year-old Naomi.
Hill, 32, drowned the little girl, who had mild cerebral palsy, in a bath at the family home in Connah's Quay, North Wales, in November last year.
She admitted the killing but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
But a jury at Chester Crown Court heard how hard-drinking Hill was ashamed of Naomi's condition, which meant the little girl had to use calipers to help her walk.
The jury found Hill guilty of Naomi's murder and Judge Elgan Edwards, the Recorder of Chester, sentenced her to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years.
Because of the murder conviction Hill, who has a history of mental health problems, will not return to a secure unit but go straight to prison.
Her husband was described in court as a devoted father who refused to consider his wife's request for their daughter to be adopted or fostered by their childminder.
Mr Hill remained committed to his wife despite her alcohol abuse and infidelity.
Following the conviction, he told a press conference: "Joanne was a non-swimmer with a terrible fear of water.
"To be held under water was her biggest fear. What she did to my princess Naomi was evil."
