A mother who blamed another child for injuring her newborn daughter has been convicted of murder. Nicole Blain, 30, lost her temper while supposedly caring for 19-day-old Thea June Wilson at her flat in Greenock, Inverclyde, on July 14, 2023.
Catastrophic Injuries
Thea suffered multiple catastrophic injuries, including three skull fractures, brain damage, and bleeding behind the eyes. These were consistent with the baby being violently shaken and repeatedly struck against a hard floor, wall, or furniture. A pathologist described the injuries as similar to those suffered by a car crash victim.
Failed Cover-Up Attempt
In a sick cover-up bid, Blain claimed she woke from a nap to find her daughter on the floor and alleged another child in the flat had caused the harm. Prosecutors branded these lies as “nonsense.” A pathologist effectively ruled out the possibility that the injuries could have been caused by a child dropping the baby.
Trial and Conviction
Following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, Blain was found guilty of murder. Lord Scott stated: “I will be passing a life sentence. I do want more information about you before deciding the length of the punishment part. In the meantime, you will be remanded in custody.” Blain, who had been on bail, cried hysterically as she was led handcuffed to the cells. She will return to court next month.
Background and Evidence
Thea was described as “perfect” when born on June 25, 2023. After the birth, Blain claimed to be struggling with postnatal depression. Thea’s paternal grandmother, Laura Wilson, testified that she last saw the baby on July 8, 2023, and found her “fantastic” with no concerns.
On the day of the killing, Blain was supposed to take Thea to Laura’s home in Ayrshire. Around 2 p.m., Laura’s husband, Alan, took a call from Blain. He told jurors: “I could hear screaming. I had never heard anything like it. It was piercing and extremely loud. I thought it was an older child, but then I realised it was the baby.” Blain mumbled, “I do not know what to do,” and Alan advised her to call an ambulance.
At the hospital, Blain repeated the lie that another child had caused the injuries. She told social worker Stacey Jones: “I do not know how I will forgive [another child] for this.” Pathologist Leighanne Deboys confirmed the injuries were from a combination of shaking and impact with a hard surface.
Blain’s Testimony
Blain testified, sobbing, that her daughter’s death was “a tragic accident.” She claimed she took a nap with Thea asleep in her crib and was awoken by a neighbour, initially not seeing the baby on the floor. She denied harming Thea and said she did not know what happened. Prosecutor Alan Cameron KC argued that any suggestion another child caused the injuries was “just nonsense,” asserting that Blain hurt the baby before realising she was in trouble.
Previous Incidents
Blain had featured in a TikTok gender reveal video where she appeared annoyed and stuck her middle finger up at the camera. In court, she insisted she loved Thea. After the allegations emerged, Blain was filmed being hounded out of her home by an irate mob, with police guarding the property.
Sentencing was deferred for reports. Lord Scott told jurors this was a “thankfully unusual case involving the murder of a baby.”
