Kyle Bevan sentenced to life with minimum 28 year term for murder of toddler Lola James

Bevan will serve a minimum of 28 years in prison before he can be considered for parole.

Lola’s mother, Sinead James was sentenced to six years for allowing the death of her daughter.

Sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Mr Justice Martin Griffiths said Bevan had shown no remorse for killing Lola in a “sustained, deliberate and very violent act”.

He added that James “prioritised the relationship with Kyle Bevan over concern for her children”.

Bevan, from Aberystwyth was found guilty of murdering 2 year-old Lola James at a trial earlier this month.

Bevan fatally injured Lola James in a “brutal assault” at their Haverfordwest home by repeatedly hitting her in a savage attack that left his victim limp and unresponsive in the early hours of Friday, 17 July, 2020.

The court heard Lola was found to have 101 external injuries including bruises and grazes “all over her little body”.

The prosecutor said that examination of the child’s eyes showed serious and extensive damage to both retinas while a scan showed catastrophic and fatal brain injuries.

In court, John Griffiths from the Crown Prosecution Service said Bevan had “inflicted injuries on Lola in the past, but this time his aggression led to him murdering a defenceless child in his care”.

Mr Griffiths said: “Lola should have been safe in her own home and surrounded by people that she could trust.

“But instead, her mother Sinead James allowed a violent and destructive man into their lives and failed in her duty to protect Lola from harm. “

Pembrokeshire Council have confirmed a child practice review will be carried following the conviction.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Whilst Pembrokeshire County Council has had some historical involvement with Lola and her family, the local authority was not involved with the family at the time of her death or indeed at any time during the relationship between Kyle Bevan and Sinead James.

“The local authority continues to offer its sincerest condolences to Lola’s family for their loss, recognising that this outcome will bring little comfort to them, given they have lost Lola so young and in such tragic circumstances.”

(Lead image: Dyfed Powys Police)