The birth mother of a baby murdered by his foster mum has spoken of her hopes for a better life for him when she handed her tiny infant into care.
Speaking at the sentencing of Laura Castle who killed her baby Leiland-James Corkill the distraught mum told the court she is an emotional wreck.
She says she struggles to accept her son was taken from her because of risk of physical and emotional harm and yet he suffered that at the hands of the Castles.
She said: "I never imagined the day I handed Leiland-James over anything like this would happen.
"During my pregnancy I didn't think he would be taken from me, but within 48 hours he was taken into care.
"I do not sleep for crying.
"When I heard he had died I stopped eating and stopped caring for myself.
"I became in a low mood and biting peoples head off.
"I never left the house for weeks because I felt people were judging me.
"It was worse when it hit the press."
She added: "I have been seeking support to cope with my emotions.
"I do not feel I have fully grieved.
"No one ever thinks they will lose a child.
"I was looking forward to letters and updates about his life.
"I was told he would be safe and would have a good life.
"I was fine with that.
" I believe this would never have happened if he was with me.
"My hopes and dreams were for him to grow up safe, healthy and happy."
Leiland-James Corkill was killed at the hands of Laura Castle who is due to be sentenced today.
The toddler had been placed in the care of the 38-year-old and her husband, Scott Castle, 35, in August 2020.
But five months later, on January 6, 2021, paramedics found the tot unresponsive and floppy when they attended the couple’s home in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Leiland-James died the following day after doctors found that his heart wasn’t beating and he had a head injury, which Castle said he sustained by falling from a sofa.
She was found guilty of his murder last week.
