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A woman previously convicted of murdering her infant son and attempting to murder his toddler sister has had those convictions overturned but has now been sentenced to a decade in prison for infanticide and attempted murder. The tragic incident occurred in July 2021, when the mother stabbed both children, leading to their admission at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. While the girl survived following medical treatment, the baby boy sadly died.
Initially convicted and sentenced in 2023 for the murder of her eight-week-old son and the attempted murder of his sister, the woman’s convictions were later deemed unsafe by senior judges in the Court of Appeal in December 2025. After their ruling, the court ordered a retrial in March. In August, under a protective anonymity order, the woman entered guilty pleas to charges of infanticide and attempted murder. Infanticide, as defined legally, refers to the unlawful killing of a child under twelve months by the biological mother when the mental balance of the mother was disturbed.
During sentencing, Mr Justice Fowler referenced medical expertise showing that at the time of the attacks, the woman was suffering from postnatal depression. The court also learned that her relationship with the children’s father involved domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and coercive control, which left her fearing for her life. Diaries presented in court revealed that she was overwhelmed by feelings of rejection, abandonment, and despair. Medical reports further indicated she felt trapped with no option but to end her own life and that of her children. Attention was drawn to the enduring psychological impact on the surviving daughter, who was found to be affected catastrophically and was now living in foster care. Although described as settled and happy, the girl remains highly sensitive and vigilant.
The court considered statements regarding the young girl’s ongoing struggles, such as waking up frightened at night and expressing a fear of darkness and her mother. The judge also recounted the mother’s admissions to police shortly after the event, in which she acknowledged experiencing depression. Responding to police questions, she said, “Considering what I have done, I probably do” have mental health issues and confirmed, “Depression? 100% I cry too much.” The judge concluded that she was suffering from mild to moderate depression, leaning toward the moderate side, which impaired her judgment. While recognizing her remorse, and noting she was a victim of modern-day slavery and that this was an isolated offense, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the breach of trust involved. The woman received a 10-year prison sentence, with half to be served on licence. Given the time already served, she is expected to begin her five-year licence period soon, which includes conditions such as no contact with anyone under 18 and mandatory attendance at medical appointments
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