MUM WHO MURDERED DAUGHTER JAILED
A woman convicted of killing her three-year-old daughter after divorce proceedings has received a life sentence.Claire Colebourn, aged 36, drowned her child Bethan in a bath at their residence in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, in the year 2017.
Following the act, Colebourn attempted to take her own life but was saved by emergency responders.
She was found guilty of the murder on the recent Friday.
Throughout the court proceedings, she displayed no emotion as Winchester Crown Court sentenced her, stating she must serve a minimum of 18 years.
Mrs Justice Johannah Cutts described Bethan as "a beautiful little girl who was full of life.
She had everything to live for".
The judge criticized Colebourn for not seeking help during her tumultuous emotional state following her marriage breakdown and her husband's departure from their home.
Despite her high emotional distress, the court found no evidence supporting a mental health condition, emphasizing there was no justification for her actions.
“"You were her mother, you were responsible for her care and her wellbeing.” the judge remarked.
She further added that Colebourn aimed to deprive Bethan’s father of raising her, noting that Bethan deserved a chance at life.
In a police-issued statement, Michael Colebourn expressed his grief: "There are no words to describe the past 18 months.
The one thing in my life that gave me purpose has gone.
"My beautiful daughter has been taken from me in such a cold and callous manner at the very hands of the one other person that should have protected her and kept her safe.
"Throughout the criminal trial, I, and all those that loved Bethan have had to endure the heartbreak of listening to her last moments.
"I have also had to suffer endless unfounded allegations and lies made against me with no opportunity to respond.
"I desperately miss being a daddy - we would have such great times together; Bethan's laugh was infectious and her energy was endless.
There is not a second in the day that goes by that I am not thinking about her." Colebourn, formerly a biology teacher, was unanimously convicted after an jury deliberation of two hours.
She remained composed as the verdict was delivered.
Bethan was discovered unresponsive in her bed by her grandmother, and despite efforts, paramedics could not revive her.
Prosecutors highlighted Colebourn’s mistaken belief that her husband, a CEO, was unfaithful.
A Facebook post revealed her accusations: "Michael walked out on his family on 7 September and we haven't seen him since.
"He has been having an affair with his financial director at work.
Everything has been pre-planned.
"They are aiming to conquer the business and set up a new life together." On the night of the murder, Colebourn set her alarm for 3 a.m., took Bethan to the bathroom, started a bath, and drowned her.
She told police that Bethan woke up, showed her affection, expressed love, and said she didn’t want a bath.
Afterward, Colebourn attempted to end her life by injecting herself repeatedly with insulin.
During the trial, it was noted she had looked up websites related to suicide and drowning.
Defense barrister Karim Khalil QC mentioned personality disorder concerns, though experts challenged this assertion.
Colebourn has spent nearly a year in custody, and this time will be deducted from her minimum sentence before a parole review determines her potential release.
