First picture of Walsall dad who murdered five-week-old daughter

 First picture of Walsall dad who murdered five-week-old daughter

A father from Walsall has been found guilty of murdering his five-week-old daughter after repeatedly abusing her during her short life.

Sean Jefferson, 35, was convicted following an eight-week trial at Stafford Crown Court. The court heard that he subjected his daughter, Darcy-Leigh Jefferson, to repeated physical assaults. She died from a catastrophic brain injury, which medical experts said was likely caused by violent shaking or her head being struck against a surface.

Darcy, who was born prematurely weighing just 4lbs on February 20, 2022, also suffered 47 rib fractures. Evidence presented in court suggested these injuries were caused by her chest being tightly squeezed.

Emergency services were called to the family home in Burntwood on Mother’s Day in 2022 after the baby collapsed. She was taken to hospital but died two days later, on March 29.

Darcy’s mother, Amy Leigh Clark, 34, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child. Both parents were arrested the day after the incident, with charges brought in May 2025 following a lengthy investigation.

Police said the fatal injury was not an isolated incident and that Darcy had been subjected to repeated abuse. Jefferson was also found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Fitzgerald described the case as profoundly distressing, stating that Darcy had been violently abused and that her mother failed to protect her. He added that the thoughts of investigators remain with Darcy’s surviving sibling.

Jefferson and Clark are due to be sentenced at a later date.