WALLASEY WOMAN DROWNS DAUGHTER AND FACES HOSPITAL ORDER
Laura Fletcher, 23, eluted in the tragic drowning of her four-year-old daughter Chloe in a bath at their home in Wallasey, Wirral.Following the incident, Fletcher attempted to take her own life and was found by police with the child's body laid out on the bed, with a soft toy beside her.
She reported the death two days later via a public phone.
Fletcher admitted manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility, and the court responded by imposing an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act, highlighting her mental health issues at the time.
Court proceedings revealed that Fletcher's actions were driven by fears that Chloe was going to be taken away from her by relatives of the child's father, Dean Marr.
Prosecutors presented evidence that Fletcher had written a note expressing remorse but also explaining her paranoia and motivation, stating: "I'm sorry Chloe you've died, but I just didn't want to lose you to the Marrs because I was scared of them taking you as you were alive." The court noted that Fletcher had 'failed to properly engage with social services' and that Chloe was not assessed as at risk from her, despite her behavior and the family history.
Fletcher’s mental health was cited as a significant factor, with her defense arguing her actions were a genuine attempt for both herself and her daughter to die together.
A serious case review has been ordered to examine the involvement of social and other agencies, with a report due shortly.
The court highlighted the tragic mishandling of Chloe's case and Fletcher's mental health struggles, which ultimately culminated in this devastating act.
