Grady Sentencing

Christopher Lee Grady has been sentenced to a minimum of 15 years imprisonment for the murder of his daughter and attempted murder of his son.

The 43-year-old was convicted by a majority verdict at Birmingham Crown Court. He was sentenced to life for the murder of his daughter.

Grady drove his car, also carrying five-year-old Gabby Grady and his then six-year-old son Ryan, into the River Avon in Evesham, Worcestershire, on February 11 last year.

Grady and Ryan survived the incident but Gabby died at Birmingham Children’s Hospital three days later.

On passing sentence, Mr Justice Lindblom said that what Grady did would horrify any right-thinking person. Grady has already spent 402 days in custody; this will be deducted from the sentence.  

Mr Justice Lindblom also praised West Mercia Police officers who entered the water to save Ryan and all the other emergency services. He said: “I commend them and their colleagues.”   

Senior Investigating Officer in the case, known as Operation Emperor, and now Superintendent of the South Worcestershire area of West Mercia Police, Superintendent Steve Cullen, said: “Today’s sentence imposed by the judge reflects the horrific act that Grady committed that February day and the seriousness and gravitas of what he did.

“Whilst we hope the sentence brings closure to the family, we must recognise a little girl lost her life and a boy and his family will never be the same again. Nothing will ever compensate for that.”