A judge has sentenced "callous" killer Graham Heaps to a 28-year minimum life sentence for the murder of little Francesca Bimpson.
Three-year-old Francesca died from burns suffered in an arson attack made her home by Heaps, 43, in December last year.
Heaps, an ex-boyfriend of Francesca's aunt, denied the charge and concocted a story that he was at the scene as a "hero" who had made a rescue attempt.
But a jury decided he had murdered Francesca by setting light to petrol poured through the letterbox of the house in Everton on 1st December 2008.
A three-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court heard how Heaps had a former relationship with Linda Skelhorne, the sister of Francesca’s mother Eleanor, which ended weeks before the fire.
Heaps was bitter about the break-up and carried out the arson attack as an act of revenge.
The jury had heard how Heaps was found lying face down in the front garden of the Bimpson's modern three-bedroomed home in Norwood Grove, Everton, on the night of the fire.
Prosecution evidence said that he ran into the burning house after setting light to the house, to cover his tracks, falsely claiming he was beaten back by smoke and flames.
In fact he had suffered burns to his face and arms from a "flashback" ball of flame that hit him when he set light to petrol he poured through the letterbox.
Heaps, who had moved to live in Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, Cardiff before his arrest denied murder and had been seen smirking as he listened to some of the harrowing evidence.
Francesca was badly burned while her father Kieron Bimpson, mother Eleanor Skelhorne, brother Kieron,14, and sisters Christina, eight, Anne Marie, 17 months, all suffered injuries in the fire at the house
They managed to escape through first floor windows after the alarm was raised but despite efforts to save her by her father - who had broken his legs jumping from a window - and her uncle, Francesca remained trapped in a bedroom.
Rescue services eventually managed to get her out but doctors lost a battle to save her life on 23rd December 2008.
Heaps was sentenced in a packed court room by Mr Justice Richard Henriques QC. He described Heaps as a "cowardly" character, who had carried out a "premeditated, horrific and wicked attack on a family lying in their beds.
He added: "But for the fact Kieron Snr was in the house, and his brave actions, all six could have died that night."
Speaking outside Liverpool Crown Court Det Supt Steve Naylor said: "Francesca Bimpson was three years old when Graham Heaps poured petrol through the letterbox of her family home while her parents, brother and sisters were asleep in bed.
"Francesca received significant injuries, suffering for three weeks before her death.
"Today, we would like to think of the family. I would like to thank them for their faith in the investigation team, and the courage and dignity they have displayed throughout the investigation and the trial.
"Graham Heaps told lies from the start of the investiagtion, and he has told lies in court.
"He has never once shown remorse for his actions, and no sympathy towards Francesca's family.
"Graham Heaps' actions were cold and calculated.
"I hope today's sentencing brings a sense of justice for her family.
"This has been an incredibly difficult and traumatic investigation for all involved."
In a statement read by Francesca's father, Kieron Snr gave thanks to Merseyside Police and staff at Alder Hey hospital.
He described Heaps as "smarmy" and that the 28 year sentence bestowed by the judge as "fitting to the crime."
He said: "Not even 100 million years would be enough.
"But the sentence is fantastic, it is fitting to the crime.
"I shouted "Bye" to Heaps as he was taken down.
"He is paying the penalty now.
Mr Bimpson described his daughter as "a precious angel", he added: "We intend to launch the Francesca Bimpson Foundation in support of families affected by serious crime.
"We look to the future, and I am proud of our children for their tremendous courage since the loss of their sister, our precious angel.
"We plan to give them the best Christmas ever this year. This time last year, we could have all been dead."
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