Mother denies lying about son's health

Michelle Dickinson denies the charges against her

A West Cumbrian woman accused of poisoning her seven-year old son has told the court how her child tried to stab her.

Michelle Dickinson, 30, of Seascale, is charged with attempting to murder her son Michael, by falsely claiming he had epilepsy and then poisoning him with drugs meant to treat the disease.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday Ms Dickinson, who denies attempted murder, said she had never lied about Michael's health.

She also said she had never given him any medication that had not been approved by a doctor.

Smaller brain

Ms Dickinson also told the court that the prescribed medicine changed Michael's behaviour from a quiet boy, to a violent boy whom she claims attempted to stab her with a knife in 1999.

Michael died in hospital on 14 October 2000 after spending 102 days on a life support machine. The youngster died in Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, from pneumonia.

On Monday the court heard that tests on the youngster showed no evidence of chronic severe epilepsy.

Dr Helen Whitwell, a professor of forensic pathology told the jury that a post-mortem examination showed Michael's brain was 80% the normal weight for a child his age.

His mother is on trial for attempted murder, attempting to cause grievious bodily harm with intent and five charges of ill treating the boy between 30 December and his death.

She has denied the charges. The trial continues.