Hull: Justice for baby Mia as man convicted of her murder

Following an eight-week trial at court, a 26-year-old man has today (Tuesday, 26 November) been found guilty of the murder of 23-month-old Mia Gregson in Hull, and the child’s mother guilty of causing or allowing her death. 

After a lengthy investigation into Mia’s death in 2014, Jonathan Garner, of Thirlmere Avenue, Hull, was charged with her murder and causing or allowing the death of a child in October 2018.

Mia’s mother, Samantha Gregson, 26, of Melling Close, Chesterfield, was also charged in October 2018, with causing or allowing the death of a child.

On Thursday, 13 February, 2014, Mia was taken to hospital in an unresponsive state by an ambulance from the address she lived at on Dorset Street, Hull, with Gregson and her partner Garner. 

Doctors made every effort to save Mia but she sadly died later the same day.

An investigation was launched into Mia’s death, with an initial post-mortem examination unable to reveal the cause of death.

The Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Matt Baldwin, requested further tests and analysis to be carried out as part of the investigation, as he explains: “From the moment we received the call almost six years ago, we have been determined to ensure that all of the available evidence was gathered to build a strong case to bring before the courts.  

“We identified and consulted with various medical experts from across the UK who then reviewed the medical evidence, and it was confirmed that it was possible Mia’s cause of death could have been as a result of smothering.

“Numerous injuries were present that had been inflicted on the young girl’s body, making it evident that Mia had suffered severe abuse in the weeks leading up to her tragic death.

“With the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, we were able to bring charges against the pair.”

Today, after hearing all the evidence presented at Sheffield Crown Court, the jury reached a decision that Garner murdered Mia and that Gregson was guilty of causing or allowing Mia’s death. 

They will both be sentenced tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 27 November).

Detective Supt Matt Baldwin added: “While I am pleased they have both been convicted and justice has been achieved, sadly it does not bring Mia back.

“They have both consistently denied any involvement in Mia’s death.

“The abuse this little girl endured by those who were supposed to be caring for her is very upsetting to contemplate.

“Mia suffered tragically at Garner’s hands, while Gregson allowed weeks of neglect and abuse to go on against her daughter, leading ultimately to her tragic death.

“I am confident the result today will serve to protect any other children from the pair as they will both be behind bars.”

*Garner pictured top right. We do not have a photo of Samantha Gregson.