Stepmum jailed for 1978 killing of girl, 5
Summary
Janice Nix was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the 1978 death of her 5-year-old stepdaughter, Andrea Bernard, who died after being forced into very hot bath water. The case was reopened after Andrea’s brother reported it to police in 2022, leading to Nix’s conviction for manslaughter and cruelty.Key Facts
- Andrea Bernard died in 1978 from severe burns after being forced into hot bath water by her stepmother, Janice Nix.
- Nix was found guilty of manslaughter and cruelty to Andrea’s brother, Desmond Bernard.
- Andrea’s death was originally treated as an accident until 2022 when her brother contacted police.
- Nix was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to 12 years in prison and must serve at least two-thirds before being eligible for release.
- Desmond Bernard gave a victim impact statement, describing how Nix’s actions affected him and his sister.
- The incident happened in Thornton Heath, south London.
- Evidence included testimony that Nix forced Andrea into the bath while knowing how hot the water was and heard her screams.
- Nix was also convicted of cruelty toward Desmond Bernard between 1975 and 1978.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.