Mum guilty over death of newborn 27 years ago avoids prison

A MOTHER who killed her newborn son and left his body near a theme park 27 years ago has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

- By Pat Hurst

Joanne Sharkey, 55, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility last month, with the court being told she was suffering severe post-natal depression following the birth of her previous child.

At her sentencing hearing yesterday Sharkey was told by the judge she must undergo mental health treatment.

Mrs Justice Eady added: “The events that bring us to this court are both terrible and tragic.

Isolated