A JUDGE'S adopted daughter is facing jail after admitting cruelty to her baby just a few days before her boyfriend killed the little girl.

Shirley Miller, 19, whose adoptive father is Tyneside Recorder Paddy Cosgrove QC, admitted cruelty to two-month-old Lauren Devine.

Miller's boyfriend, Trevor Devine, also pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Lauren, at Sheffield Crown Court.

Devine, 25, of Seaton Burn, Newcastle, denied murdering the baby in October last year after she was found with severe head injuries.

But he has now admitted the lesser charge of manslaughter and the pair both admitted perverting the course of justice.

They falsely claimed that injuries suffered by Lauren had been caused when Miller accidentally dropped her.

Shirley was one of four foster daughters taken into their home in Whitley Bay by Mr Cosgrove, 53, and his wife, Joan, in the 1980s.

It is understood that Shirley left the family home to be with her boyfriend and became pregnant before Christmas 1998.

Mr Cosgrove, who became a recorder in 1992, stood as a Labour candidate for the Tynemouth seat at four General Elections between 1979 and 1992.

Mr Cosgrove said he could not speak about the tragedy involving his adoptive daughter.

Judge Mr Justice Hallett, at Sheffield Crown Court, asked for reports on Miller and Devine and the case was adjourned for sentencing later this month.