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Erin Sutherland admits killing baby daughter Chloe in Edinburgh Erin Sutherland admits killing baby daughter Chloe in Edinburgh
(about 1 hour later)
A mother has admitted killing her baby in Edinburgh after being unable to receive help for postnatal depression.A mother has admitted killing her baby in Edinburgh after being unable to receive help for postnatal depression.
Erin Sutherland, 36, killed 10-month-old daughter Chloe at her home in Parkhead View on 3 February .Erin Sutherland, 36, killed 10-month-old daughter Chloe at her home in Parkhead View on 3 February .
She was arrested for the murder of the baby but pled guilty to the lesser offence of culpable homicide.She was arrested for the murder of the baby but pled guilty to the lesser offence of culpable homicide.
She had been treated for postnatal depression before but could not get support because Chloe was more than six months old.She had been treated for postnatal depression before but could not get support because Chloe was more than six months old.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the condition is no longer considered a factor after six months.The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the condition is no longer considered a factor after six months.
Sutherland admitted assaulting Chloe and covering her mouth and nose.Sutherland admitted assaulting Chloe and covering her mouth and nose.
Sentence was deferred for reports. Sutherland will be held in hospital under a treatment order.Sentence was deferred for reports. Sutherland will be held in hospital under a treatment order.
'Different outcome''Different outcome'
She smothered her daughter after a letter had arrived from the baby's father - her ex-partner - detailing his proposals for arranging access to the child.She smothered her daughter after a letter had arrived from the baby's father - her ex-partner - detailing his proposals for arranging access to the child.
A court heard that Sutherland had previously received hospital treatment following the birth of an older daughter when she was diagnosed with postnatal depression in 2006.A court heard that Sutherland had previously received hospital treatment following the birth of an older daughter when she was diagnosed with postnatal depression in 2006.
Her symptoms worsened when the child was eight months old and led to her becoming an in-patient.Her symptoms worsened when the child was eight months old and led to her becoming an in-patient.
However, when her family doctor contacted a perinatal mental health team for her to see a community psychiatric nurse (CPN) following a consultation in December last year support could not be offered.However, when her family doctor contacted a perinatal mental health team for her to see a community psychiatric nurse (CPN) following a consultation in December last year support could not be offered.
Advocate depute Iain McSporran: "That team and the CPN were unable to offer support now that the baby was older than six months."Advocate depute Iain McSporran: "That team and the CPN were unable to offer support now that the baby was older than six months."
The prosecutor said he understood that, after consulting with psychiatrist John Crichton, that "generally speaking" six months was the point beyond which post natal depression would no longer be considered a factor.The prosecutor said he understood that, after consulting with psychiatrist John Crichton, that "generally speaking" six months was the point beyond which post natal depression would no longer be considered a factor.
'Heartbreaking situation''Heartbreaking situation'
He said: "In this regard, he attaches importance to the fact that in her previous experience of postnatal depression the severe recurrence had been at the eight-month stage."He said: "In this regard, he attaches importance to the fact that in her previous experience of postnatal depression the severe recurrence had been at the eight-month stage."
Mr McSporran told the High Court in Edinburgh: "I do not think that I misrepresent Dr Crichton when I say that he believes that a different system, and I emphasise system rather than the actions of any individual, might well have seen a different outcome."Mr McSporran told the High Court in Edinburgh: "I do not think that I misrepresent Dr Crichton when I say that he believes that a different system, and I emphasise system rather than the actions of any individual, might well have seen a different outcome."
He said Crown counsel intended to look at the issues in more detail to see if matters should be aired at a fatal accident inquiry.He said Crown counsel intended to look at the issues in more detail to see if matters should be aired at a fatal accident inquiry.
An NSPCC Scotland spokeswoman said: " This heart-wrenching case highlights the urgent need to address the considerable gaps in support for families struggling with perinatal mental health issues.
"Support must be available when and for as long as families need it.
"And the widespread issues we identified in our recent report on perinatal mental health provision in Scotland, including education and training of professionals and access to specialist services, must be prioritised.
"We must do all we can to prevent a similar tragedy happening in future. "
Det Sgt Neil Seath, of Police Scotland, said: "The death of a baby is always a tragedy but the unique circumstances of this case make it particularly emotive for everyone involved.Det Sgt Neil Seath, of Police Scotland, said: "The death of a baby is always a tragedy but the unique circumstances of this case make it particularly emotive for everyone involved.
"Our thoughts are very much with Chloe's family and we can only hope that they are able to come to terms with this heartbreaking situation, and find their own ways of moving forward.""Our thoughts are very much with Chloe's family and we can only hope that they are able to come to terms with this heartbreaking situation, and find their own ways of moving forward."