Verdict Due On Boy Strangled By His Mum

30 May 2012, 09:16 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Christy Ruddell's mum Melanie who's 40, suffered a mental breakdown and killed her son at her brother's home in West Rainton in August 2010.

An inquest's heard she drove to Peterlee police station and walked in clutching her toddler's limp body.

Ms Ruddell had been taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool but left before psychiatrists could assess her, saying she wanted to see her son.

Ms Ruddell's family has told the hearing at Sunderland Civic Centre she was besotted with Christy.

Brother, Neil Close said:
"She loved that little boy. I didn't believe she would do anything silly.''

The inquest was told after her marriage fell apart, her mental health rapidly deteriorated to the point where she was hallucinating and imagining voices.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Green is expected to give evidence on Wednesday (30th May), with Dr Aideen O'Hallerton, before coroner Derek Winter gives his verdict.

Ms Ruddell, of Castle Eden, County Durham, has given evidence via video-link from a secure hospital.

She is receiving treatment after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.