Courts / Ireland / Report

Mother suffering from personality disorder described son as "fake child" on day she killed him

Summary

A woman has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her two-year-old son at the Central Criminal Court. Hazel Waters, aged 47, admitted responsibility for the death of Muhammad Hassan Khan between 15 and 16 October 2014 at their home in Ballybrack. Evidence heard during sentencing submissions indicated that Ms Waters was suffering from a personality disorder and an acute transient psychotic disorder at the time. Psychiatrists told the court that her mental condition substantially diminished her culpability. The child was found dead in the family bedroom with multiple neck wounds inflicted by scissors. At the time of the incident, social workers had been attempting to contact Ms Waters. Family members described the boy as a happy and loved child. Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the case to 1 June for sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother suffering from personality disorder described son as "fake child" on day she killed him. Charges or matters: the manslaughter of her son Muhammad Hassan Khan between 15-16 October, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• 16 October Hearing Or Sentence
• October 16 Hearing Or Sentence
• June 1 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-05-23 Publication

Why: Dr Wright said she could not make that assessment because Ms Waters claims to have no memory of the killing and therefore her state of mind at the time cannot be established. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

Read the original CNI report