MUM: THE DEVIL TOLD ME TO THREATEN TOT’S LIFE

Accused denies planning to stab her daughter, 3

CROWN LAWYER, BELFAST

A WOMAN accused of threatening to stab her young daughter to death claimed to be under the Devil’s influence, the High Court heard yesterday.

She said voices in her head made her talk about killing the three-year-old girl, her own mother and ex-husband before committing suicide, a judge was told.

The 22-year-old, from Co Derry, who denies any intention to act on her alleged comments, is not being named to protect the child’s identity. She faces three charges of making threats to kill in connection with alleged disclosures at a psychiatric unit last week.

The woman was in Holywell Hospital in Antrim on October 16 for an assessment.

During a bail hearing Crown lawyer Rosie Walsh said the accused told staff she wanted to kill her mother, former partner and three- year-old daughter. Ms Walsh said: “Asked how she intended to do this, she said she would stab them. She was asked if she definitely wanted to carry out these threats and she nodded.”

A prosecution lawyer added: “She believes that she hears voices, and the Devil is making her say these things. Police have concerns there’s a very real risk of offending.”

Mr Justice Burgess adjourned the bail application and ordered more information about her medical background.

She was asked if she wanted to carry out the threats and nodded