General Chat

I can appreciate what has been said about the mental state of a new mother, but are we to turn and look the other way because of someone's mental condition, pat them on the back and say 'There, there then?' Surely, as a crime has been committed, a worse crime than murdering a stranger, the perpetrator should be punished. Otherwise we are weakening the Rule of Law and saying to people who may be tempted, to go ahead, whereas it must be better for those who are depressed, or suffering from some other mental illness to have the knowledge at the back of their minds that if they do wrong they WILL be punished. Social inclusion cuts both ways.

Hi, I have to agree with Lynda here. I used to Minute Child Protection Conferences and fortunately never came across something as horrible as this. However, some cases were bad enough. On first glance I would have locked them up and thrown away the key. What I found though when reading case notes was it's not that cut and dried. Many issues come into the equation and we don't know all the facts in this horrifying case. I haven't heard too much of this on the news as yet but personally I hope that she hasn't been allowed to walk free and that's the end of it. She should be put in a secure unit and treated for whatever illness they say caused her to do this. She should also be sterilised so she cannot bring another child into this world which will undoubtably be removed from her at birth. Aileen xx

Aileen, she was released into the 'Care of the Community' in the same area!

Full of confidence knowing that the same system that protected children from Ian Huntley is now protecting children from this woman

I agree with Lynda as well. Severe post natal depression can be a terrible thing. I had pnd but it was not severe. I did shout at my baby a few times because he would not stop crying but never thought of harming him in any way. There is a fine line to be drawn I think. I have to say it was a terrible thing she did and think it needs careful handling. Hopefully she will get the help she needs. At the same time I hope she understands what she did.

You know I,m really torn with this. Logic says she killed her baby & must be punished accordingly, BUTTTT having suffered with mild PND after daughter was born and really wished I hadnt had her cos she cried ALL the time,!!! I.m still a bit where she was at at the time. She must have been in a dark place to do what she did,and she will have this to live with forever more

i think a lot of mothers have post natal depression i know i did after my 2nd child , but if it all got on top of me ,because he was crying or he would'nt settle i used to put him in his pram and go for a walk, by the time i got home he was much calmer ,if not already asleep so i felt calmer . hurt my child NEVER.

I agree with Lynda on this one.

Hi All,Thanks for your replies. I have to say I dont understand depression to any degree,Ive suffered from very mild depression and seen PND in people but Im not an expert. Lynda,You have seen this first hand, I repect that and your opinion, It must have been awful to have to see and hear some of the things. Im still not convinced about this,I guess as Lynda said until you actually know the story 100% its easy to take the news as the whole truth. I just keep thinking of that poor child,what an horrific way to die. Roxanne x