The 62-year-old Karen Foster was scheduled to go on trial at Preston Crown Court for the murder of Harlow Collinge, who was nine months old.
Despite Foster’s prior denials of murder, the prosecution today accepted her plea of manslaughter.
In March 2022, emergency services were called to an address in Hapton, Lancashire, and the infant passed away in the hospital.
Her manslaughter plea was based on the allegation that Harlow died as a result of “forceful shaking” after he fell out of his high chair, started wailing, and she shook him out of exasperation, the court was told.
On March 1, 2022, Harlow had been delivered to the defendant’s Hapton residence.
Later that day, she contacted 999, informing the operator that Harlow had suddenly collapsed and that the court had been informed he was not breathing.
Harlow passed away four days after being taken to the hospital.
According to testimony given in court, the baby’s head CT scan revealed severe brain damage, including swelling and bleeding on both sides.
Before his horrific injuries, Harlow had been described as a “healthy and happy boy”.
Following her plea, Mr. Justice Cotter said to the defendant, “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.”
