Mother 'serious danger to child'

A two-year-old girl whose mother allegedly tried to suffocate her must be put up for adoption, a court has ruled.

The child was taken to hospital several times and experts found her mother had harmed her on four occasions.

The girl was taken into care after social workers became worried for her safety.

Now, a judge at Leicester County Court has decided she should stay in local authority care.

Father's campaign

Mr Justice Kirkwood said: "The mother's conduct towards her baby was very unusual.

"She remains a real and serious danger to her child."

The court heard how girl - known only as LU - was admitted into hospital several times as a baby and, in October 2001, an arrangement was made for her maternal grandmother to look after her.

She was later cared for by paternal grandparents, but was taken into care in October 2003.

But Mr Justice Kirkwood ruled that none of the youngster's family could be relied on to assure her safety.

He said: "I am not confident that any of the member's of LU's paternal family could withstand the kind of pressure the father has shown he is capable of exerting."