Mother admits killing Down's son

A 67-year-old woman has admitted killing her adult Down's syndrome son.

Wendolyn Markcrow, of Long Crendon, in Buckinghamshire, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her 36-year-old son, Patrick, at her home on 29 March.

Markcrow denied murder but admitted manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility when she appeared at Reading Crown Court on Friday.

She was released on bail on condition she lives at her home or at a hospital and will be sentenced next month.

'Realistic and sensible'

Judge Jonathan Playford QC told Markcrow's counsel, Sasha Wass QC, that he had read a psychiatric report on the defendant and agreed the case could be adjourned to be heard by a High Court judge sitting at Oxford Crown Court next month.

No details of the killing were given but the judge ordered a further psychiatric report for 21 October, in time for sentencing.

Police called to Markcrow's home found the body of Patrick, who also suffered from autism and behavioural difficulties, as well as Down's syndrome.

Nicholas Browne, prosecuting, told the judge the Crown accepted the manslaughter plea and asked the judge to direct that the murder charge remain on file.

Mr Browne told the judge the contents of the Crown's psychiatric report and a separate study commissioned by the defence were "all one way" and that it would be realistic and sensible to accept the guilty plea to manslaughter.