Probation for Killing Baby and Child Sex Crime

(Leeds, England) Yesterday, a 26-year-old local woman, Martina McHattie, received a six-month suspended sentence for engaging in sex with a 14-year-old boy.

After sentencing was imposed for the child sex crime, the court was allowed to release details of McHattie's manslaughter trial which concluded in May.

McHattie pleaded guilty to manslaughter for causing the death of her six-month old son in October 2004.

Leeds Crown Court heard she shook him and threw him against a hard object, fracturing his skull.

Reece died four days after the assault in October, 2004, after doctors said further treatment would be futile.

Police investigated after doctors suspected the tot was not the victim of an accidental fall as his mum had said, but there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

The incident at McHattie's home in Wakefield, only came to light two years later when she admitted she had caused Reece's death because she was unable to cope.

As a result of the conviction for manslaughter, Judge Peter Collier imposed a 12-month suspended sentence. Prior to sentencing, the judge heard that McHattie had attempted suicide and concluded that her feelings of guilt would be satisfactory punishment.

In summary, after convictions for a child sex crime and a homicide, Martina McHattie was allowed to walk out of court as a free woman, presumably with feelings of guilt.