KENT MOTHER ADMITS MANSLAUGHTER OF HER 11-YEAR-OLD SON
The mother of an 11-year-old boy who was found drowned at his home in Kent has admitted his manslaughter.James Taylor died at Knights Croft, New Ash Green, near Dartford, on 2 December.
Jennifer Taylor, 45, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and will be sentenced on 20 June.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Andrew Patience QC expressed satisfaction that she was suffering from a mental disorder, and an interim hospital order was imposed under Section 38 of the Mental Health Act to ensure she remained in custody.
Post-mortem examinations revealed James died from drowning, with traces of drugs found in his body.
His body was discovered at the home early on 2 December; Taylor was found at the house and taken to hospital in critical but stable condition.
She was later discharged and arrested.
Neighbours described James as a "lovely boy" who was always outside playing, and his mother as someone who kept to herself.
James attended Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, where he was noted as showing great academic promise.
