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Mother did not kill 'salt baby' Mother did not kill 'salt baby'
(30 minutes later)
A mother has been cleared of murdering her son by poisoning him with salt.A mother has been cleared of murdering her son by poisoning him with salt.
Marianne Williams, from Wiltshire, was found not guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of killing 15-month-old Joshua Taylor.Marianne Williams, from Wiltshire, was found not guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court of killing 15-month-old Joshua Taylor.
The 24-year-old had repeatedly denied murdering Joshua, who had been born prematurely with kidney failure. She was also cleared of his manslaughter.The 24-year-old had repeatedly denied murdering Joshua, who had been born prematurely with kidney failure. She was also cleared of his manslaughter.
Tests showed Joshua had high levels of sodium in his body when he died at Southampton General Hospital in 2004.Tests showed Joshua had high levels of sodium in his body when he died at Southampton General Hospital in 2004.
Cheers and tearsCheers and tears
Miss Williams had stood trembling in the dock as the verdict was read out. Ms Williams had stood trembling in the dock as the verdict was read out.
She wiped away tears when she heard that she had been cleared of both charges, to cheers from the defendant's supporters in the public gallery.She wiped away tears when she heard that she had been cleared of both charges, to cheers from the defendant's supporters in the public gallery.
Outside court, Miss Williams still shaking but jubilant, said: "I'm just overwhelmed. It has been a long time coming." Outside the court Ms Williams' stood at the side of her solicitor, Jacqui Cameron who read a statement on her behalf.
The jury of six women and six men had taken two-and-a-half hours to reach a verdict. She said: "Marianne is naturally delighted with the verdict and is extremely pleased that common sense has prevailed.
Joshua had medical problems and needed daily medicationJoshua had medical problems and needed daily medication
During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Miss Williams, who was on antidepressants, killed her son because she felt she could not cope. "We as lawyers, however, are very concerned that parents, usually mothers, are continuing to face the grave charge of murder on what can only be described at best as complex and at worst dubious medical evidence.
"In far too many cases, as in this case, clinicians are much too prone to point the finger of suspicion at parents who are already vulnerable, having just suffered the death of their child.
"Today's verdict means that Marianne can go home to her family and begin to rebuild her life."
The jury of six women and six men had taken two-and-a-half hours to reach a verdict.
Medical problems
During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Ms Williams, who was on antidepressants, killed her son because she felt she could not cope.
But the defence said Joshua died as a result of a combination of his medical condition and the drugs he was taking for his care.But the defence said Joshua died as a result of a combination of his medical condition and the drugs he was taking for his care.
Miss Williams, originally from Wales, was 21 when Joshua died. Ms Williams, originally from Wales, was 21 when Joshua died.
Joshua had been born 12 weeks prematurely on 26 November, 2002, when Miss Williams had been in a long-term relationship with his father Paul Taylor.Joshua had been born 12 weeks prematurely on 26 November, 2002, when Miss Williams had been in a long-term relationship with his father Paul Taylor.
A twin had died in the womb.A twin had died in the womb.
Joshua weighed 2lb 10oz (1.2kg) at birth and had a number of medical problems, including very small kidneys.Joshua weighed 2lb 10oz (1.2kg) at birth and had a number of medical problems, including very small kidneys.
Sensitive investigation 'Sensitive' investigation
The trial was told that because Joshua's kidneys were failing, they would expel too much sodium.The trial was told that because Joshua's kidneys were failing, they would expel too much sodium.
He was given necessary daily dosages of sodium chloride to replenish his salt levels.He was given necessary daily dosages of sodium chloride to replenish his salt levels.
Outside court Det Insp Matt Johnson, of Wiltshire Police, defended the investigation, which he said had been "complex, and required sensitivity".Outside court Det Insp Matt Johnson, of Wiltshire Police, defended the investigation, which he said had been "complex, and required sensitivity".
He added: "The decision to bring charges was only taken after lengthy consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and a meticulous review of all the evidence that was available.He added: "The decision to bring charges was only taken after lengthy consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and a meticulous review of all the evidence that was available.
"I'm grateful for the work and commitment of the CPS and I would also like to pay tribute to the police officers and support staff who worked tirelessly with dedication and great professionalism from the outset of what was a very distressing investigation.
"I acknowledge the verdict reached by the jury and would add only that I am satisfied that every possible piece of evidence that could be found was properly presented.""I acknowledge the verdict reached by the jury and would add only that I am satisfied that every possible piece of evidence that could be found was properly presented."