Mum guilty of murder after forcing object down baby’s throat to silence her and leaving her to die
A MUM who wrapped her baby in plastic bags and left her to die after forcing an object down her throat to stop her crying has today been convicted of murder.
Hannah Cobley, 29, is now facing life behind bars after dumping her daughter in the bushes after inflicting severe head injuries on the premature baby.
The mum had claimed she didn’t know she was pregnant after a one-night stand with a stranger, but it was later revealed she had searched phrases including “signs of stillbirth”, “how long a baby can survive without being fed” and “what happens when a newborn baby is dropped”.
And jurors today took just an hour and a half to convict the mum of murder.
Leicester Crown Court had previously heard how the unnamed child suffered a catalogue of injuries including a three skull fractures, bruising, cuts and bruises, as well a brain injury.
Shockingly, an object had been forced down the child’s throat after she had been born prematurely at 32 weeks.
The four week trial heard that the baby girl was found in the bushes next to a shed outside Cobley’s parents’ farmhouse on April 30, 2017.
During her police interview, Cobley admitted she had given birth but said the baby was not crying or moving so she put her in a bag and placed her in the garden.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jon Blockley said: “This is an extremely sad and tragic case which has resulted in the death of a newborn baby girl, born at 32 weeks.
“Hannah Cobley had previously denied being responsible for her baby’s death but, following this investigation, has today been found guilty of murder.
“Cobley could have sought help from her own family or professionals, but instead took actions into her own hands.
MOST READ IN NEWS
“This decision meant a newborn baby girl was denied her life.”
Mr Blockley added: “My thoughts remain with all those affected and I want to thank everyone who assisted in this investigation providing information as well as to all the police officers and staff who worked tirelessly on such a devastating case.”
Cobley, of Stanton, will be sentenced on Friday at the same court.