THIS is the face of the man who unleashed an 'explosion' of violence on a defenceless two-year-old girl.

Adam Jackson caused a horrendous catalogue of injuries when he brutally and fatally attacked Grace Thorpe after she had been left in his parental care.

The 27-year-old fractured the toddler's skull, jaw leg and ribs, as well as causing catastrophic internal injuries in November last year.

The Northern Echo: Adam JacksonAdam Jackson

Today, he pleaded guilty to the murder of Grace in her east Cleveland home.

Peter Makepeace QC, in mitigation, said his client had never appeared in court before being charged with murder.

He said: "There was nothing in his criminal history to hint at the explosion, the eruption of violence which took place on this date."

The Northern Echo: Grace ThorpeGrace Thorpe

Judge Howard Crowson sentenced Jackson to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years and 166 days.

Jackson, of Dale Street, New Marske, pleaded guilty to murder at Teesside Crown Court this morning.

Grace's mother, Alice Quine read out a heartbreaking victim impact statement while Jackson kept his head bowed while sitting in the dock.

She said: "My life hasn’t been the same since the day I lost Grace and it never will be again. I lost everything in that moment.

"Grace’s sister is not the same child she was before this happened. She adored Grace and done everything for her, they had the most amazing bond and love for each other.

"My Grace was the happiest little girl who never wanted for anything, she was always content and smiling, her laugh was infectious."

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