MOTHER WHO STRANGLED HER DAUGHTER IS JAILED
Claire Kennedy, 33, killed her six-year-old daughter Courtney by wrapping a skipping rope around her neck in an act of extreme distress.The Birmingham Crown Court heard that Kennedy started 'playing up' as she prepared her daughter for school on May 10 last year.
Kennedy pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility on February 5.
A number of medical experts confirmed that at the time of the incident, Kennedy was suffering from a severe depressive condition and had heard voices telling her to harm Courtney.
The judge, Mr.
Justice King, sentenced her under public protection guidelines, stating she posed a serious risk to members of the public, and she must serve a minimum of three years before she can be considered for release.
Kennedy bowed her head and rocked as the court outlined the events of that morning.
Police arrived at her residence in Kings Norton after reports of a child being killed and found Kennedy in a state of extreme distress, openly admitting to the crime.
She explained that her daughter had become difficult during preparations, and she 'snapped', wrapping the skipping rope around Courtney's neck until she stopped breathing.
Kennedy had previously contacted social services, asking them to take Courtney away, feeling unable to cope.
