A teenage mum who poured bleach into the mouth of her newborn baby has been spared jail.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted a charge of child cruelty at the Old Bailey on January 12.
She was sentenced to a two year supervision order, a year of therapy and 200 hours of unpaid work at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday.
She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.
Police were called by paramedics from London Ambulance Service to a home in Hayes on August 10 last year, after a newborn baby boy was found injured.
He was taken to a west London hospital and was found to have sustained injuries to his throat, which police said were believed to have been caused by a chemical.
The baby was later discharged but his mother was arrested two days later on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
Detective Constable Philip Tibbles, from the Metropolitan Police Service's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “This is a tragic case involving a young woman and her child, which will stay with her for the rest of her life.
“I would urge anyone who finds themselves in similar circumstances, or who is unable to confide in friends or family, to speak with either their doctor or one of the charities that exist to help.
“No one should find themselves in this position, where they fear that no one can support them.
“If you are a child who needs help, please call Childline on 0800 11 11.
“Alternatively, please call 0808 800 5000 to discuss your concerns with the NSPCC 24 Hour Child Protection Helpline.”
A 41-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman and a 61-year-old woman who were all arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent will have no further action taken against them.
