Mother broke baby’s ribs

A troubled mum-of-four who broke her baby’s ribs while changing a nappy was “at the end of her tether”, a court heard.

But a merciful judge has decided not to send her to prison after hearing she was suffering from post-natal depression.

He said the 26-year-old woman, from Willesborough, caused the rib fractures “recklessly rather than deliberately.”

Canterbury Crown Court heard all four children – who were taken into care – are now being looked after by their father.

The woman’s name cannot be revealed because of a court ruling to protect the identities of the children.

She had pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm but had denied another charge relating to a fractured skull and the Crown Prosecution Service accepted the not guilty plea.

Prosecutor Ian Foinette explained experts had accepted the mother’s explanation of how the head injury was caused accidentally.

He said the woman took her baby to the William Harvey Hospital for treatment just a week before Christmas Day 2015 and concerned staff called police.

Mr Foinette said the mother said she was trying to change the baby’s nappy as the other children were “running riot” and she struggled to control them.

The prosecutor said there was medical evidence to suggest she had been suffering from postnatal depression.

Kieran Brand, defending, said the woman had never been before the courts before, nor had she had any involvement with social services.

Judge James O’Mahony ordered her to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for the community.