Mother cleared of poisoning son with salt
A young mother was cleared today of the murder of her 15-month-old son by poisoning him with salt.
A jury found 24-year-old Marianne Williams, of Wiltshire, not guilty of both the murder and manslaughter of Joshua Taylor following a six-week trial at Winchester Crown Court.
She was cleared of giving her seriously-ill son, who was born prematurely with failing kidneys, excessive amounts of sodium, leading to his death on February 27 2004.
Williams stood trembling in the dock as the verdict was read out and wiped away tears when she heard that she had been cleared of both charges.
The verdict was received with cheers by the defendant's supporters in the public gallery.
Outside court, Williams, shaking with joy, said: "I'm just overwhelmed. It has been a long time coming."
The jury of six women and six men took a total of two-and-a-half hours to reach their verdicts.
DI Matt Johnson, of Wiltshire Police, said outside court: "The investigation carried out by Wiltshire Police into the sudden death of Joshua Taylor was complex and required sensitivity, thoroughness and, of necessity, detailed liaison with not only medical experts but a number of other agencies including social services.
"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 to the jury in this case."
During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Williams, who was on antidepressants, killed her son because she felt she could not cope with caring for him.
She had seen the consequences of too much sodium in his system earlier in February, when the child was taken to hospital suffering from high salt levels, the trial was told.
The defence said Joshua died as a result of a combination of his medical condition and the drugs he was taking for his care.
Joshua was taken to Southampton General Hospital, Hants, on February 24 in a serious condition, the trial was told.
Tests showed he had very high levels of sodium in his body and despite the efforts of doctors to save him, Joshua died three days later.
Williams, originally from Wales, was 21 when Joshua died and in a long-term relationship with his father Paul Taylor.
Joshua was born 12 weeks prematurely by Caesarean on November 26 2002. His 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.
The trial heard that because Joshua's kidneys were failing, they would expel too much sodium.
He was given daily dosages of sodium chloride to replenish his salt levels, which was necessary for a "healthy existence" and "healthy growth".
