KAREN FOSTER SENTENCED IN BURNLEY FOR THE MURDER OF NINE-MONTH-OLD HARLOW COLLINGE

Karen Foster, a 62-year-old woman from Burnley, has been handed a prison sentence of twelve years and seven months following her conviction for the tragic death of nine-month-old Harlow Collinge. Foster, who was registered as a childminder with nearly a decade of experience, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, acknowledging that her actions led to the infant’s death through violent shaking during a moment of frustration.

According to court proceedings, the incident occurred after Harlow had fallen from his high chair, which caused him to start crying. In a moment of anger and distress, Foster shook the baby with excessive force, resulting in severe injuries to his brain. The court was informed that the injuries sustained were catastrophic, with medical examinations revealing significant trauma. A CT scan of Harlow’s head showed extensive brain damage, including bleeding and swelling, which was later confirmed by a post-mortem examination to be the cause of death. The judge, Mr. Justice Barry Cotter, described Harlow as a “happy, healthy, and much-loved” child, emphasizing the tragedy of his loss.

Despite suffering from her own health issues and pain, Foster continued to operate her childminding services beyond the limits permitted by regulations. Evidence presented in court indicated that she had been working with more children than allowed under Ofsted guidelines, sometimes exceeding the recommended ratios. Additionally, it was revealed that Foster had previously made false claims about her health and professional background, raising questions about her credibility and professionalism.

On the day of the incident, Foster contacted emergency services, claiming that Harlow had collapsed and was not breathing. When paramedics arrived, they observed that the infant’s skin had turned purple and mottled, signs indicative of severe trauma. The medical team’s assessment confirmed the presence of traumatic brain injury, with bleeding and swelling consistent with violent shaking. The post-mortem report further substantiated these findings, establishing that the cause of death was traumatic brain injury.

It was also disclosed during the trial that Foster had faced previous allegations of assault, including an incident in 2019 involving a two-year-old girl in her care. This history added to concerns about her conduct and suitability as a caregiver.

Harlow’s mother, Gemma Collinge, delivered an emotional statement in court, expressing her profound grief and anger. She described her son as a “happy smiling baby,” and her words underscored the devastating impact of Foster’s actions. Security footage and medical reports detailed the sequence of events leading up to Harlow’s death, highlighting the violence inflicted during the shaking incident.

Ultimately, the court found that Foster’s failure to adhere to safety regulations, combined with her malicious and negligent conduct, was directly responsible for the tragic loss of Harlow Collinge. Her actions have left a lasting scar on the family and the community of Burnley, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of proper caregiving and adherence to safety standards.