Harlow Collinge: Childminder Karen Foster admits killing baby boy with 'forceful shaking'

The infant died in hospital after emergency services were called to an address in Hapton, Lancashire, in March 2022.

Friday 7 June 2024 15:59, UK

A childminder has pleaded guilty to killing a nine-month-old boy.

Karen Foster, 62, was due to go on trial at Preston Crown Court for the murder of nine-month-old Harlow Collinge.

Foster, now of no fixed address, had previously denied murder but the prosecution accepted her manslaughter plea on Friday after discussions with the child's family.

The baby died in hospital after emergency services were called to reports of a nine-month-old in cardiac arrest at an address in Hapton, Lancashire on 1 March 2022.

The basis of Foster's manslaughter plea was that "forceful shaking" of Harlow caused his death after he had toppled over out of his high chair, started crying and she shook him in frustration, the court heard.

She will be sentenced on Thursday 13 June.

Harlow had been dropped off at the defendant's address in Hapton. Later that day, she called 999 and told the operator that Harlow was not breathing, the court was told, and went on to inform a paramedic he had suddenly collapsed.

Harlow was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, where medics discovered he had significant and non-accidental injuries to his brain. Foster was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.

The nine-month-old died four days later and a post-mortem listed the cause of death as inflicted traumatic brain injury.

Foster was then charged with murder.

'Healthy and happy boy'

The court heard a CT scan of the infant's head showed significant injuries to the brain, with bleeding on both sides and swelling.

Harlow had been described as a "healthy and happy boy" prior to the traumatic injuries he suffered.

Mr Justice Cotter addressed the defendant after her plea, saying: "I am sure you have been advised that the likely sentence is one of a substantial period in custody and you should be well aware of that."

Foster, a registered childminder with nine years' experience, was further remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.

She also faced a further allegation of assaulting a two-year-old girl in her care in 2019.

The prosecution told the judge it will ask for that count to lie on file.

AG百家乐在线官网

Harlow Collinge: Childminder Karen Foster admits killing baby boy with 'forceful shaking'

Related Topics