Menu
03/11/2008
Mother Jailed For Suffocating Child
A mother who was found guilty of suffocating her three-year-old son has today been jailed.
Tara Haigh, 24, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey, for smothering her young son with a pillow. She was ordered to serve at least 10 years before she can be considered for parole.
The court heard the 24-year-old from Guildford, Surrey, had logged onto an internet dating service just hours after the child's death, in November 2005.
Billy was described in court as a normal and healthy child, but Haigh had suffered from depression and bouts of self-harming. The toddler had been monitored by social services because there were fears his mother would neglect him.
His father was in prison for assaulting Haigh, when Billy died.
Prosecutor Sally Howes also said Haigh had learning difficulties and an IQ of only 74.
Ms Howes said after attempts to resuscitate Billy at the hospital had failed, she went home to her parents' home.
"An examination of the computer showed that within a few hours of her son's death, she was accessing messages sent to her by men on the website Girls Date Free," Howes said.
She arranged a date with one man, and also posted a message on the website saying her son had died a year ago from a tumour behind the ear.
Haigh, who denied the murder, originally claimed she had left her son on the sofa watching television and found him on his back not breathing. However, she gave a number of "inconsistent" accounts about what happened on the night of his death.
Haigh was found guilty of murder by a 10-2 majority after the jury deliberated for more than 26 hours.
Sentencing, Judge Peter Thornton QC said it was unclear why she killed her son.
He added: "Billy was a well and happy child whose life was cruelly taken away from him.
"You killed your son, a vulnerable child in your care and protection.
"You were, I accept, a good and loving parent doing the best you could.
"There was no accusation of cruelty and losing your child, all be it by your own hand, must have been a punishment for you."
She added: "The circumstances of Billy's death do not bear thinking about. He would have struggled for his life, fighting against his mother whom he had loved and trusted, until he was overpowered by your superior strength and will."
(JM)
Tara Haigh, 24, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey, for smothering her young son with a pillow. She was ordered to serve at least 10 years before she can be considered for parole.
The court heard the 24-year-old from Guildford, Surrey, had logged onto an internet dating service just hours after the child's death, in November 2005.
Billy was described in court as a normal and healthy child, but Haigh had suffered from depression and bouts of self-harming. The toddler had been monitored by social services because there were fears his mother would neglect him.
His father was in prison for assaulting Haigh, when Billy died.
Prosecutor Sally Howes also said Haigh had learning difficulties and an IQ of only 74.
Ms Howes said after attempts to resuscitate Billy at the hospital had failed, she went home to her parents' home.
"An examination of the computer showed that within a few hours of her son's death, she was accessing messages sent to her by men on the website Girls Date Free," Howes said.
She arranged a date with one man, and also posted a message on the website saying her son had died a year ago from a tumour behind the ear.
Haigh, who denied the murder, originally claimed she had left her son on the sofa watching television and found him on his back not breathing. However, she gave a number of "inconsistent" accounts about what happened on the night of his death.
Haigh was found guilty of murder by a 10-2 majority after the jury deliberated for more than 26 hours.
Sentencing, Judge Peter Thornton QC said it was unclear why she killed her son.
He added: "Billy was a well and happy child whose life was cruelly taken away from him.
"You killed your son, a vulnerable child in your care and protection.
"You were, I accept, a good and loving parent doing the best you could.
"There was no accusation of cruelty and losing your child, all be it by your own hand, must have been a punishment for you."
She added: "The circumstances of Billy's death do not bear thinking about. He would have struggled for his life, fighting against his mother whom he had loved and trusted, until he was overpowered by your superior strength and will."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 January 2009
Consultation To End Child Poverty, Launched
The Government has today set out plans to make sure every child gets the best start in life by tackling child poverty, which can unfairly hold children back and prevent them reaching their full potential.
Consultation To End Child Poverty, Launched
The Government has today set out plans to make sure every child gets the best start in life by tackling child poverty, which can unfairly hold children back and prevent them reaching their full potential.
26 June 2013
Man Appears In Court Charged With Double Murder
A man has appeared before a district judge charged with murdering a woman and her baby. Wesley John Williams, 28, was charged with the murders of Yvonne Walsh, 25, and her seven-month-old son Harrison. Williams from Birmingham spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Man Appears In Court Charged With Double Murder
A man has appeared before a district judge charged with murdering a woman and her baby. Wesley John Williams, 28, was charged with the murders of Yvonne Walsh, 25, and her seven-month-old son Harrison. Williams from Birmingham spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
28 May 2010
Marine Killed In Afghanistan Named
The Ministry of Defence has named the British marine who was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday. Corporal Stephen Paul Curley, 26, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, died in an explosion while he was conducting a ground domination foot patrol through the southern Green Zone.
Marine Killed In Afghanistan Named
The Ministry of Defence has named the British marine who was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday. Corporal Stephen Paul Curley, 26, from 40 Commando Royal Marines, died in an explosion while he was conducting a ground domination foot patrol through the southern Green Zone.
27 June 2008
Neglect Mum Jailed For 18 Months
A mother who left her two-year-old son home alone while she partied has been jailed for 18 months. It is understood the toddler was penned in the kitchen by a baby gate and had to fend for itself by rummaging in rubbish bags for food.
Neglect Mum Jailed For 18 Months
A mother who left her two-year-old son home alone while she partied has been jailed for 18 months. It is understood the toddler was penned in the kitchen by a baby gate and had to fend for itself by rummaging in rubbish bags for food.
10 December 2009
Child Obesity 'Levelling Off'
New figures have suggested escalating child obesity in the UK is beginning to level off, however, rates are still too high, according to the government. The National Child Measurement Programme suggested families are benefiting from knowing the facts about their child's weight.
Child Obesity 'Levelling Off'
New figures have suggested escalating child obesity in the UK is beginning to level off, however, rates are still too high, according to the government. The National Child Measurement Programme suggested families are benefiting from knowing the facts about their child's weight.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
