THE father of a three-year-old girl drowned by her mother has spoken about his "heartbreak" over the tragic crime.

Claire Colebourn, aged 36, was found guilty of murdering her daughter Bethan at Winchester Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced today (18 March) to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years.

Following the sentencing, Bethan’s dad Michael Colebourn said: “There are no words to describe the past 18 months. The one thing in my life that gave me purpose has gone.

“My beautiful daughter has been taken from me in such a cold and callous manner at the very hands of the one other person that should have protected her and kept her safe.

“The loss of Bethan has had a huge impact on so many people: family, friends, and all that knew her. She was such a special little girl – bringing so much joy to all their lives.

“Throughout the criminal trial, I and all those that loved Bethan have had to endure the heartbreak of listening to her last moments. I have also had to suffer endless unfounded allegations and lies made against me with no opportunity to respond.

“I desperately miss being a daddy – we would have such great times together; Bethan’s laugh was infectious and her energy was endless. There is not a second in the day that goes by that I am not thinking about her.

“Bethan was my world and being her daddy made me so proud. I miss her so much.”

Detective Inspector Lee Macarthur said: “All our thoughts are with Bethan’s family on this very difficult day.

“Claire Colebourn has taken the life of her own child, which has had a devastating impact on the rest of her family.

“Today’s outcome concludes this very sad investigation. I would like to thank all those involved – from the officers and paramedics who attended the harrowing scene that night, to the investigation team that has worked diligently on this case ever since, piecing together the events surrounding Bethan’s tragic murder.”