‘Evil’ father jailed for killing six-year-old daughter

“Evil” father Ben Butler has been jailed for life with a minimum term of at least 23 years for killing his six-year-old daughter in a fit of rage – 11 months after winning her back in a high-profile custody battle.

Butler, 36, inflicted horrific head injuries on little Ellie while left alone at home in Sutton, south-west London, to look after her and her younger sibling in October 2013.

He was found guilty of murder and child cruelty following a trial at the Old Bailey.

His partner, Jennie Gray, 36, was convicted of child cruelty, having already admitted perverting the course of justice.

The couple angrily protested their innocence when jurors returned their verdicts on the third day of deliberations.

Gray told them they had made a “big mistake”, while Butler shouted angrily that he would “fight forever” and appeal against their decision.