A SOUTH Gloucestershire man who murdered his baby daughter on Christmas Day has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years and two months.

Lee Parker, 33, of Britton Gardens, Kingswood, was due to stand trial for killing six-month old Aya but changed his plea at the eleventh hour at Bristol Crown Court.

Paramedics were called to the flat Parker shared with the mother of his daughter in the early hours of December 25 last year.

Despite their best efforts Aya was tragically pronounced dead a short time later.

A post mortem examination later found she died as a result of severe head injuries.

Detective chief inspector Gary Haskins said: "As Aya’s father Lee Parker was expected to love and protect her at all costs.

“Instead, for reasons we will never know, he robbed her of the life which lay ahead of her and caused unimaginable pain to those who loved her.

“The death of any baby is always a tragedy but the circumstances of this case make it particularly emotive.

“Aya was just six months old and was about to enjoy her first Christmas yet because of the actions of her father it was sadly her last.

“I’d like to praise Aya’s mum for the incredible bravery and dignity she has displayed throughout what has been horrendous ordeal for her.

“Parker’s conviction hopefully brings some closure for all of Aya’s family but our thoughts remain very much with them as they try to comprehend how and why this happened.”