Woman charged with attempted murder of baby

Shannon Soutter, from Arbroath, bailed over alleged assault on six-month-old girl

An Arbroath woman has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a six-month-old baby girl.

Shannon Soutter, 22, made a brief appearance in private on petition at Forfar Sheriff Court.

She was charged with assault to severe injury, permanent impairment, danger to life and attempted murder.

She made no plea during the short hearing and was committed for further examination.

Soutter was released on bail ahead of further court dates being set.

The court appearance came almost two weeks after a baby was taken to hospital after she was found with serious injuries at an address in Arbroath.

Police believe the infant was hurt on or around Saturday April 28.

She was initially taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee but was transferred to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

The alleged incident resulted in a heavy police presence in the vicinity of a flat on St Vigeans Road.

Officers remained at the scene for five days but remained tight-lipped about details of the investigation.

They stood guard outside the front and back door of the house and officers could be seen searching back gardens.

It later emerged Angus councillors had been advised not to make any public comment on the case.

At the time police said the infant’s injuries were being treated as “unexplained”.

Detective Inspector Scott Fotheringham has now confirmed a joint child protection investigation is being carried out by Police Scotland, the NHS and social workers.

The tot’s condition was reported to be “critical” with serious injuries.

It is understood she is now in a “stable” condition in Ninewells Hospital.