Woman jailed for life for murdering her new born baby in Burnley
Rachel Tunstill stabbed the little girl to death
A mental health boss from Lancashire, who killed her new born baby, after giving birth in her bathroom, has been jailed for life.
Rachel Tunstill, of Wellington Court, Burnley, was convicted after a trial at Preston Crown Court.
The 26 year old will serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.
Police were called to reports of a sudden death at an address in Wellington Court back in January.
They found the body of a new born baby girl inside the kitchen bin. A post mortem examination showed she'd been stabbed multiple times with a pair of scissors.
Tunstill and a 30 year old man were both arrested on suspicion of murder. He was subsequently released without charge after police satisfied themselves he had no involvement in the baby’s death. He and the baby’s wider family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service Tunstill was charged with the baby’s murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, who led the investigation, said: “This was a truly horrific incident involving the callous and brutal murder of a defenceless new-born baby. I cannot begin to understand why Rachel Tunstill committed this horrendous act.
“The person who should not be forgotten in this is the victim. This poor child should have been able to look to Rachel Tunstill for the protection and love of a parent. Instead this defenceless baby found herself subjected to the dreadful injuries which sadly caused her death.
“My thoughts remain with the wider family of baby Mia who have been through so much over the last year. They have conducted themselves with tremendous dignity and I hope that this conviction and sentence can offer them some comfort as they try to move on with their lives.
“Finally I would like the jury for their careful consideration of this case and all of the police officers and staff involved in this very difficult and upsetting enquiry. They have conducted themselves with great professionalism. I would also like to thank again the community in Burnley for their co-operation and understanding throughout this time.