Jail for mother of TV death baby

The mother of a baby boy who died after a TV toppled onto him has been sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Natalie McMillan, 25, previously of Scarlett Street in Burnley, pleaded guilty to child cruelty.

Edward Hanratty, 41, formerly of Brighouse and now of Dirkhill Road in Bradford, had also pleaded guilty to child cruelty and was due to be sentenced yesterday but he failed to turn up at court and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

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Four-moht-old Kian McMillan died on Scarlett Street in Burnley in the early hours of December 6, 2011.

At 2.45am that day, a 999 call was made to the ambulance service by Natalie McMillan to say that her television had toppled onto her baby. She told the ambulance operator he had a lump on his forehead and would not take his milk.

Paramedics found Kian unconscious and took him to Royal Blackburn Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. He had received serious head injuries and doctors were unable to save him.

At the time of the incident, Natalie McMillan was heavily under the influence of heroin, valium and alcohol.

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Detective Inspector Mark Rothwell from Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team said: “This is a tragic case in which a four-month-old baby has lost his life in the most tragic of circumstances.

“Natalie McMillan was in no fit state to look after Kian that night and this should serve as a warning to people and highlight the most serious of consequences of caring for children, especially young babies, whilst under the influence of drink and drugs.

“From the moment Natalie McMillan dialled 999 to her sentencing, she has shown absolutely no remorse and will now have a period in custody to reflect on her actions and the impact that drugs have had on her life.”