DIANE WARD, THE mother of 8-year-old Anthony who was found dead in his home in Charleville, Co Cork, will be sentenced next month.

Ward, of Harrison Place, Charleville, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her son last week. Sentencing was delayed to allow psychiatric evidence be presented, but was again delayed today.

A coroner’s hearing heard in 2012 that Anthony’s neck had been compressed on 3 September, 2012, the night before he was due to return to school.

Anthony’s body was discovered by Gardaí and family members just minutes after he was due back at school. He was to begin Third Class at the local primary.

Speaking today at a sentencing hearing at the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin, Justice Paul Carney said that he would grant a delay in sentencing, but that it would be presented before Justice Barry White.

Sentencing will take place on 7 April.

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Sentencing delayed in case of Cork mother who killed son

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.