Fife woman attempted to murder baby and blame child’s mother

The mother of the baby said she had no issues or concerns after Dow previously looked after the child when she and her mother contracted Covid.

She told the court: “He came back his normal, wee self – happy and content.”

The woman said that on the occasion of the attack Dow phoned her and asked if she could take the child for the night. She said she tried and failed to make contact with Dow after she left her son in his care, but later heard the claim that he fell off a sofa.

She then received a message telling her to hurry up and come for the child as he was screaming and “tensing” his body.

The mother said Dow tried to apologise when they met.

Defence solicitor advocate Gordon Martin said that Dow had suffered adverse childhood experiences of her own, but weaned herself off drugs later in life.

He told the court: “There is no suggestion that she is someone who would reoffend provided she manages to remain drug free.”

Mr Martin added: “It is inevitable that the court will impose a custodial sentence and she is aware of that.”