The parents of a five-week-old baby who was repeatedly assaulted throughout her short life have been sentenced for their parts in her death.

Sean Jefferson, 35, of Lichfield Road, Walsall was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 22 years at Stafford Crown Court today (16 April 2026) for the murder of baby Darcy, who died in hospital on 29 March 2022 from a catastrophic brain injury. Darcy’s mother Amy Clark, 34, of Enots Close, Lichfield was sentenced today at the same court to seven years imprisonment for causing or allowing the death of a child.

During her five weeks of life, Darcy suffered dozens of injuries.

The court heard that Clark drank alcohol and took cocaine throughout her pregnancy and continued to do so after Darcy was born, while Jefferson was a cannabis user. A hair sample taken from Clark during the investigation confirmed she had taken cocaine, while separate hair samples from Jefferson and Darcy confirmed that both had been exposed to cocaine.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that the defendants had a toxic relationship marked by frequent arguments. A witness who was a friend of the couple described the volatile nature of their relationship, and messages shown to the court corroborated this.

Each defendant knew there was a risk of the other losing control, and when Darcy was born, each was aware there was a significant risk of the other causing serious physical harm to their daughter, especially when alcohol and drugs were involved.

Jefferson called 999 from a neighbour’s house on 27 March 2022 and claimed that Darcy had been fine before she began coughing, and she stopped breathing. Medical evidence presented at trial contradicted this account and confirmed that Darcy did not have any medical conditions which would explain her death.

Medical experts found extensive internal bleeding, consistent with abusive head trauma of a type only usually seen in falls from a height, or a car crash.

Paul Reid from the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Darcy was just five weeks old when she died, having been subjected to repeated abuse at the hands of her own parents.

"She was a defenceless baby and was betrayed by the two people in the world who should have loved and cared for her the most.

“Rather than take accountability for their actions, Clark and Jefferson lied about what happened to their daughter.

“The CPS built a compelling case using witness testimony, phone records, and medical evidence to prove that both parents were responsible for their daughter's death and they have now been held accountable for their actions.

"Our thoughts remain with Darcy's wider family, who have lost her in the most tragic of circumstances.”