Katie Tidmarsh Convicted of Murdering Foster Child Ruby Thompson
Katie Tidmarsh was found guilty yesterday (Thursday 9 November) of murdering Ruby Thompson, a toddler under her care. The verdict came after a gripping five-week trial at Leicester Crown Court.
Today (Friday), the same court handed down a sentence, marking the end of a tragic chapter.
Foster Failure Ends in Tragedy
Ruby Thompson was placed in foster care after her birth in July 2011. In March 2012, she began living with Katie Tidmarsh and her husband at their Pickwell Close home. The couple were approved to adopt Ruby but the legal process was never completed.
On 11 August 2012, a frantic 999 call was made reporting that Ruby had suffered a seizure and soon after was not breathing. Paramedics rushed her to hospital where doctors found catastrophic brain injuries.
Evidence of Abuse Discovered
During treatment, an x-ray revealed Ruby had a broken arm bone inflicted about two weeks earlier. Tidmarsh claimed Ruby was knocked over by one of their dogs. However, medical experts uncovered two separate fractures in Ruby’s upper right arm.
A post-mortem revealed a severe blunt force impact to the back of Ruby’s head.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Ruby died just two days later.
Justice Delayed but Delivered
- November 2012: Tidmarsh and a man were arrested on suspicion of murder but later released without charges after a police investigation.
- An inquest ruled Ruby’s death was from a head injury with an unknown cause.
- 2017 court hearings brought new expert medical opinions confirming Tidmarsh inflicted the fatal injuries.
- July 2022: Tidmarsh was re-arrested and charged with murder, plus two counts of causing grievous bodily harm related to Ruby’s broken arm.
- She was found guilty of murder and one count of grievous bodily harm; acquitted of the other charge.
Katie Tidmarsh, now 39, was sentenced to a minimum of 17 years behind bars for the murder of Ruby Thompson.
