Mother suffering from personality disorder described son as "fake child" on day she killed him

A woman has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her two-year-old son at the Central Criminal Court. Hazel Waters, aged 47, admitted responsibility for the death of Muhammad Hassan Khan between 15 and 16 October 2014 at their home in Ballybrack. Evidence heard during sentencing submissions indicated that Ms Waters was suffering from a personality disorder and an acute transient psychotic disorder at the time. Psychiatrists told the court that her mental condition substantially diminished her culpability. The child was found dead in the family bedroom with multiple neck wounds inflicted by scissors. At the time of the incident, social workers had been attempting to contact Ms Waters. Family members described the boy as a happy and loved child. Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned the case to 1 June for sentencing.