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Uncle gets life for Casey murder Uncle gets life for Casey murder
(30 minutes later)
A man has been jailed for life after admitting the rape and murder of his two-year-old niece in Leeds.A man has been jailed for life after admitting the rape and murder of his two-year-old niece in Leeds.
Casey Leigh Mullen died at her home in Oak Tree Crescent, Gipton, on 11 February. Post-mortem tests showed she had died from compression of the neck.Casey Leigh Mullen died at her home in Oak Tree Crescent, Gipton, on 11 February. Post-mortem tests showed she had died from compression of the neck.
Michael Patrick Mullen, 21, of Lawrence Road, Gipton, was told he would serve a minimum of 35 years in jail at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.Michael Patrick Mullen, 21, of Lawrence Road, Gipton, was told he would serve a minimum of 35 years in jail at Leeds Crown Court on Monday.
He was capable of "lethal sexual crimes against children", a judge said.He was capable of "lethal sexual crimes against children", a judge said.
'Appalling crimes''Appalling crimes'
Describing Mullen as "a very dangerous man", Mr Justice Simon said the 21-year-old had arrived at Oak Tree Crescent with his brother after an afternoon of drinking. The court heard how an image of the little girl, naked from the waist down, had been found on Mullen's phone.
What he did is beyond the comprehension of a normal society Det Supt Steve Payne, West Yorkshire Police
Police also found sexual images of children on his computer - one of which involved sadism - which had been downloaded between October 2006 and February this year.
Describing Mullen as "a very dangerous man", Mr Justice Simon said the 21-year-old had arrived at Oak Tree Crescent on the night of 11 February with his brother after an afternoon of drinking.
He said: "At some stage you went upstairs alone and you entered the bedroom of Casey Leigh Mullen.He said: "At some stage you went upstairs alone and you entered the bedroom of Casey Leigh Mullen.
Neighbours said Casey Mullen was known as "Smiley"
"There you raped and then killed her."There you raped and then killed her.
"Those bare outlines are dreadful enough, but what is particularly horrifying about this crime is that she was your niece and she was a child of two years and two months."Those bare outlines are dreadful enough, but what is particularly horrifying about this crime is that she was your niece and she was a child of two years and two months.
"The strong likelihood is that you covered her face with your hand while you were raping her."The strong likelihood is that you covered her face with your hand while you were raping her.
Neighbours said Casey Mullen was known as "Smiley"
"You then strangled her with a ligature which you applied to her neck for not less than 30 seconds."You then strangled her with a ligature which you applied to her neck for not less than 30 seconds.
"The rape and murder of this little girl by someone she trusted and loved were appalling crimes.""The rape and murder of this little girl by someone she trusted and loved were appalling crimes."
The judge said Mullen was two and a half times over the legal limit for driving and the time and accepted this would have disinhibited him to some extent.
He added: "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."He added: "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."
Screaming hysterically Casey lived at the house with her mother Samantha Mullen, 21, father David Mullen, 20, and her brother, aged three.
Neighbour and family friend Sarah Pringle, 22, had earlier described how she went to the house after hearing a commotion. 'Special girl'
She found Casey Leigh's mother, Samantha Canham, 21, screaming hysterically and discovered the little girl covered in blood. Following the hearing, her parents issued a statement which said they were relieved with the outcome.
Police and paramedics arrived and the child was brought out of the house as neighbours looked on. They said: "We have some very happy memories of Casey Leigh and she will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community, with flowers and teddy bears left outside the three-bedroom house paying tribute to the "little angel". "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.
Casey lived at the house with her mother Samantha, father David Mullen, 20, and her brother, aged three. "We would now like to get on with our lives in peace and attempt to come to terms with the events of the last few months."
Senior investigating officer, Det Supt Steve Payne, welcomed the sentence.
He said: "Michael Mullen committed an act of wickedness beyond belief. What he did is beyond the comprehension of a normal society.
"Casey Leigh Mullen lived a short life which was brought to a very brutal end by a man she should have been able to trust.
"Incidents of this nature are every parent's nightmare and, whilst for most of us it is reassuring to remember that such crimes are very rare, a young family is left with the great pain of losing their daughter."