The brother of a man jailed for killing his baby daughter has admitted abusing a former partner.

Matthew Easey, 34, pleaded guilty to assault following a domestic incident in September 2021. 

Norwich Crown Court was told the incident had occurred while Easey was facing “very difficult times” because of the case involving his brother in which he had been due to give evidence.

He is the elder brother of Christopher Easey, who was jailed for a total of 14 years last year for the manslaughter of his 14-week-old daughter Eleanor, who died from a catastrophic brain injury in December 2019.

Matthew Easey, of Landseer Drive in Downham Market, appeared before the court on Monday to face a trial over six allegations.

Prosecutors told the court they were “domestic in nature” but that following discussions with the victim it had been deemed acceptable for a single charge to be put to him.

Matthew Easey admitted the offence of assault by beating.

Rob Pollington, mitigating, said Easey, who works as a tree surgeon, had previously been diagnosed with complex post traumatic stress disorder following a childhood that involved a “campaign of periodic and systemic abuse”.

He said the domestic incident had occurred during “very difficult times” when “Mr Easey’s brother was before this court for a very serious offence”.

“This is by way of an explanation not an excuse,” he added.

Eastern Daily Press: Matthew Easey gave evidence in the trial of his brother Christopher who was jailed for killing his baby daughter EleanorMatthew Easey gave evidence in the trial of his brother Christopher who was jailed for killing his baby daughter Eleanor (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

The court was told the relationship with his partner had been “quite a toxic one” and that they were no longer together

Judge Andrew Shaw ordered a pre-sentence report before he is sentenced on March 3.

He was released on bail, with conditions imposed, including that he does not contact his former partner.

During Christopher's trial, Matthew Easey appeared as a witness and admitted that his younger brother had a "short temper" and "goes off right at the top end".

Christopher Easey had initially been charged with the murder of his three-month-old daughter and cruelty but was found guilty of manslaughter and neglect.

His former wife, Carly Easey, was found not guilty of allowing the death of her daughter but guilty of neglect.