A woman charged with murdering her eight-week-old son and attempting to murder his two-year-old sister has been refused bail at Belfast Crown Court. The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her surviving child, told police she was not depressed or suicidal just days before the stabbings.
The court heard from a PSNI detective sergeant that on 24 July 2021, the woman called police after a row with her partner, the children's father. During a domestic violence assessment, she said she was 'very frightened' of him and appeared 'afraid of him in general'. However, she denied being depressed or having suicidal thoughts.
Three days later, on 27 July 2021, she stabbed both children. She admits the acts but denies murder and attempted murder. In later police interviews, she claimed she was depressed. The detective said she refused to answer questions about financial abuse or her partner's alcohol and drug use.
The officer noted she has no prior convictions in the UK or Europe and had co-operated fully. The defence case begins on Monday, with the defendant expected to give evidence.
