Slain child's father deported back to Oz

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The father of a 10-year-old Australian girl slain by her step-mother has been deported from the United States back to Australia, his attorney said.

Adam Baker, living in Hickory, N.C. since his daughter, Zahra's killing by wife, Elisa in 2011, was sent back to his home country, Baker's attorney, Shell Pearce said.

Baker was being detained to testify in the case against his wife, who as part of a deal with prosecutors pleaded guilty to second-degree murder almost a year after the disabled child was reported missing from her Hickory home, WBTV-TV, Charlotte, N.C., reported Monday.

During the plea hearing, Baker was allowed to address the court and spoke directly to his wife.

"I trusted you with the most precious thing in my life," Adam Baker said. "You not only lied to me, you also lied to Zahra. You took the life of the most loving and lovable little girl."

Under the deal, Elisa Baker will receive a maximum of 18 years in prison instead of the normal 60 years, WBTV-TV said.

Baker himself faced several felony charges unrelated to his daughter's case including reconnecting power without authorization, communicating threats and assault.

All were downgraded to misdemeanors. A Catawba County judge dismissed the threats charge but the assault charge stuck and Baker was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Immigration decided to deport Baker, Pearce said.