Naomi murder: Father's statement

Joanne Hill, 32, from Connah's Quay, Flintshire has been jailed for life for the murder of her four-year-old disabled daughter, Naomi. Here is the full statement by Naomi's father Simon Hill, made after the trial .

Mr Hill described Naomi as his "constant companion"

Firstly, I would like to thank the people who helped me and my family during this horrendous time. I do not want to embarrass people by naming names - they know who they are, and I thank them deeply.

It has been said in court that Naomi suffered with cerebral palsy. This is not true. Naomi did not suffer at all. She lived life to the full and was an inspiration to us all. Naomi took everything in her stride and enjoyed doing everything that four-year-olds do, if only slightly slower.

She loved being outside. She loved the garden and growing flowers. Naomi loved the beach and being by the sea. She would build sandcastles and paddle all day long.

Naomi loved riding her bike around the park, and would wave and chatter to everyone that passed.

Naomi loved dressing up, especially in pink - Naomi loved everything pink.

She also loved spending time with her grandma and grandpa, who she could wrap around her finger with ease.

Naomi loved going to school. She would talk about all of the friends she had made and the fun they had. Not just in her class, but the whole school.

Naomi was a chatterbox, a great story teller. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a wicked taste for mischief - she could make me laugh all day long.

Her cheeky grin and beaming smile could light up a room in an instant.

There is not a minute that goes by without me wishing she was still here. She was my constant companion, she was my best friend, she was my little princess.

The fact that Naomi has been taken away from us at such a young age and in such a terrible way is something we will never come to terms with.

Joanne is a non-swimmer with a fear of water. To be held under water is her biggest fear.

What she did to my princess Naomi was evil.