A woman has been jailed for life for murdering her 19-day-old daughter in what a judge described as a “violent and brutal” attack in Scotland.Nicole Bryan was jailed for at least 19 years at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday over the death of baby Thea Wilson in Greenock, Inverclyde, in July 2023, The Independent reported.During sentencing, Lord Scott rejected Bryan’s suggestion that another child in the home was responsible for the baby’s injuries, calling that explanation “ridiculous”.Bryan was found guilty of murder after a trial in the same court last month, in which prosecutors said the baby was repeatedly shaken and suffered blunt force trauma.Medical evidence presented during the trial showed Thea suffered three skull fractures, severe brain injuries and bleeding from both eyes. Doctors told the court the injuries were consistent with severe shaking and impact trauma.Jurors also heard testimony from a social worker who visited the family’s home hours before the incident and found the baby lying in her crib. Witnesses returned after emergency services were called and described Brian as feeling distressed and agitated.Bryan denied responsibility during the trial and claimed she found the baby injured after waking up and answering a knock on the door. Prosecutors argued that the injuries were so severe that any accidental cause was ruled out.Emergency services were called to a property in Greenock on July 14 after reports the baby was unwell. Thea was taken to Glasgow Royal Children’s Hospital where she later died.After the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Laura Young described the case as “tragic” and said Brian would now face the consequences of his actions.
