Mum Jailed for Injecting Poison into Toddler
Elizabeth Faragher, 43, from Barrow, was sentenced to nearly six years behind bars today for deliberately making a young child dangerously ill.
Faragher pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court on April 25, 2022, to five counts of administering a poison or noxious substance with intent, plus one count of cruelty to a child under 16. Her prison term was handed down on July 28.
Child Hospitalised Multiple Times with Rare Bacteria
The shocking case began after health professionals raised concerns over the child’s repeated severe infections. The youngster had been admitted to hospital several times, often needing specialist care at Alder Hey hospital.
Doctors spotted a worrying pattern: bacteria usually found only in faeces kept appearing in the child’s system. Investigators soon ruled out natural causes, suspecting the bacteria was deliberately injected.
Detectives Praise Health Professionals in Complex Case
Detective Inspector Fae Dilks said:
“This was an extremely distressing case for everyone involved, from the health professionals who did everything they could to help and protect the child to the detectives tasked with carrying out what was a complex and lengthy investigation.”
“This was an extremely rare case in which the evidence showed that an individual set out to intentionally make a child in her care seriously ill.”
She also thanked the healthcare partners for their vital role in safeguarding the child’s welfare.
