A former nurse who murdered one son and tried to kill another was today (Tuesday) told she will spend the next 20 years of her life in jail before being considered for release.
The 42-year old Co Antrim woman, who can’t be named due to a reporting restriction, displayed no emotion as the tariff was set at Belfast Crown Court.
As she imposed the sentence, Judge Patricia Smyth branded what happened on the morning of March 2, 2020 as a “savage attack with a knife” which would have caused both children “severe pain and distress”.
Read more: Antrim Court trial: Mother pleads guilty to murder of son and attempted murder of another son
The double stabbing occurred at the family home on the outskirts of Larne and claimed the life of the defendant’s young son who was aged two years and eight months and who was stabbed in the neck and chest.
Also attacked was her 11-month also baby who - as Judge Smyth noted - sustained similar injuries and who would also have died had it not been for the immediate intervention of the police and emergency services.
Speaking after the 20-year tariff was imposed, Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: “This is a case that will never be forgotten. A young and innocent life was take, leaving a loving father and family distraught and truly heartbroken.
“Unfortunately there is nothing that can undo this loss or ease their pain and our thoughts are with them today.”
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