Mother sentenced for killing son and attempting to murder daughter

Following indirect contact with her mother the court heard that the child experiences “significant difficulties” and can wake at night and say “she is scared of the dark and mummy”.

The judge referenced the woman’s admissions to police in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

She indicated to them that she was suffering from depression, when asked if she had mental health issues she told police: “Considering what I have done, I probably do”.

When asked if she was depressed, she responded: “Depression? 100% I cry too much.”

The judge said he was “satisfied that she was suffering from mild to moderate depression. Probably more to the moderate range”.

He agreed that her judgement was impacted.

He noted she had expressed remorse, was a victim of modern-day slavery, and said the offending was an isolated incident but also said it represented a serious breach of trust and that the level of harm done was high.

She was sentenced to 10 years, half on licence.

Due to time served she is set to be released to start her five-year-period on licence.

Conditions imposed include that she is not to have any contact with anyone under 18 years of age and must attend any necessary medical appointments.