A UK court has convicted a woman, Janice Nix, for the killing of her stepdaughter in 1978.

The UK police said in a statement on Tuesday that new evidence led detectives to reopen an investigation into Mrs Nix’s role in her stepdaughter’s death more than 40 years later.

Following trial at Isleworth Crown Court, Mrs Nix, 67, of Rodenhurst Road, SW4 was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of five-year-old Andrea Bernard in July 1978. 

“Andrea died nearly six weeks after arriving at hospital with severe burns to 50 per cent of her body, caused by immersion in a scalding bath at their home in Thornton Heath,” the police said. 

“The coroner at the time concluded her death was a result of sepsis caused by the burns, and it was ruled an accidental death.”

According to the police, Mrs Nix was also found guilty of the assault and ill-treatment of Andrea’s older brother Desmond between 1975 and 1978.

The police reopened the investigation into the girl’s death after her brother Desmond—who was eight years old at the time—told them he believed Mrs Nix was responsible for Andrea’s death.

“Desmond had told everyone it was an accident because Mrs Nix – who repeatedly physically abused him – had promised never to hit him again if he kept it a secret. It was only as an adult that Desmond began to tell those closest to him what had happened to his younger sister that day,” the police said.

Louise Caveen, a detective inspector from the Met’s Cold Case Homicide team, said “I want to pay tribute to Desmond, who bravely made the decision to come forward and speak to us, as well as giving evidence at trial. It is thanks to his courage that Nix has now been found guilty and will finally be held responsible for her actions.

He added, “I hope this case demonstrates that the Met will always review any new evidence that is brought to us, no matter the length of time that has passed. 

“We will use all of the resources we have available to seek out the truth and pursue new opportunities to get justice for all victims who have been unlawfully killed.”