A teenager has been jailed for murdering her baby just moments after she secretly gave birth at her parents' home at the age of 15.
Paris Mayo, now 19, was jailed for 12 years following a jury deliberation of more than eight hours on Monday (June 26). She was found guilty on Friday of inflicting complex skull fractures shortly after giving birth in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, in March 2019.
The jury heard a string of disturbing allegations in regards to Mayo, including stuffing the infant's mouth with cotton wool, pieces of which were found in his mouth. She crid in the dock after jurors at Worcester Crown Court found her guilty of Stanley's murder, the Mirror reports.
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The court heard how Mayo told police she "kissed the baby on the forehead" before she "gently placed him" in a bin bag. The court also heard how Stanley had been alive for just over two hours, even though Mayo told police he showed no signs of life.
It was alleged that Mayo concealed her pregnancy and delivery which she did alone and unaided in a sitting room. She claimed she was unaware she was even carrying a child when she was just 14.
Mayo allegedly sent a text message to her brother, George, which read: "When you go outside, can you put the black bag in the bin, as it’s just full of sick from last night, pls?”
He previously gave evidence, telling the court that he picked up what turned out to be a blood-stained black plastic bin liner which he found to be "unusually heavy". Mayo's mother saw how heavy the bag was and looked inside, discovery the deceased infant and immediately dialling 999.
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Defence barrister Bernard Richmond today told the court that Mayo's mother was not in the court room as "she couldn't bear it". Mr Richmond said Mayo's father was terminally ill and has since died.
However, prior to being sick, he was "difficult and emotionally cruel' and her "mum was under the most considerable pressure".
Speaking to Mayo during sentencing the judge said: "Astonishingly, despite the pain, you did not cry out. Your reaction to what had happened was, in any view surprising."
Mayo was told she would serve a minimum of 12 years in jail for causing Stanley's death.
