Mother admits baby manslaughter

A woman whose baby son was found with seriously ill with head injuries has admitted killing the youngster.

Martina McHattie, 26, of Bevan Place, Lupset, Wakefield, admitted the unlawful killing of six-month-old Reece who was found with a fractured skull.

Leeds Crown Court heard paramedics found Reece "limp and unconscious" when they were called in October 2004.

McHattie will be sentenced in three weeks and the judge said being given bail was no indication of sentence.

Reece was found with head injuries at her former home on Gargrave Place, Lupset on 22 October 2004 and died two days later.

McHattie showed no emotion in the dock as she pleaded guilty to unlawful killing. She will be sentenced at the same court on 23 May.

Prosecuting, Jeremy Richardson QC said the Crown Prosecution Service would offer no evidence on two other counts of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

McHattie was ordered to remain at a bail hostel in Leeds until pre-sentence reports were prepared.

An inquest opened at Wakefield Coroner's Court in November 2004 heard that paramedics called to McHattie's former home found Reece in a limp and unconscious condition.

He was breathing irregularly and was rushed to Pinderfields Hospital but died on 24 October, 2004.

The inquest was adjourned until the outcome of the police investigation.