Woman sentenced for death of daughter

Sonia Bellfield, 31, was given a hospital order after she admitted the manslaughter of Jasmine Bellfield.

Today, she pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Leeds Crown Court heard how Bellfield, of Naylor Court, Dewsbury, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia when she smothered Jasmine before repeatedly stabbing herself.

Paul Greaney QC, prosecuting, told how Bellfield’s mental health had rapidly deteriorated in the days before Jasmine’s body was discovered on February 19.

Michelle Colborne QC, mitigating, said: “Sonia feels, as does her mother, let down by the professionals in those days leading up to the death of Jasmine.”

Judge Mr Justice Butterfield, sentencing, said that Bellfield would only be released once a mental health review tribunal saw fit to do so.

He said that she was a devoted and caring mother, but her mental illness caused her to take Jasmine’s life.

See this week’s Reporter for the full story. Out on Friday.