Mother cleared of murdering baby

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The mother of an abused 17-month-old baby boy, who died from injuries including a broken back, has been cleared of his murder.

The toddler suffered a catalogue of injuries and died in August 2007.

The 27-year-old woman and house-guest Jason Owen, 36, were both cleared of murder by a jury at the Old Bailey.

Judge Stephen Kramer said there was insufficient evidence against the pair, from north London. Her boyfriend, who denies the murder, will face trial.

Broken ribs

A court order prevents the identification of the baby's mother and her boyfriend, who are from Haringey.

The woman, who had pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death before the trial started, was remanded in custody.

She will be sentenced on 15 December and could be jailed for up to 14 years.

The trial against the boyfriend on the murder charge and against Owen for allegedly causing or allowing the boy's death will continue.

The men, who deny the charges, have yet to testify in court.

The jury gave the decision at the end of evidence being given in the two-month trial and following defence submissions.

The trial heard the toddler, who was on a child protection register in Haringey, north London, was "used as a punchbag" and had injuries including broken ribs and a missing tooth.