Mother admits killing 2-year-old daughter found in pond

Alice Mackey, 42, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her 2-year-old daughter, Annabel Mackey. Photo / Facebook

A mother has admitted killing her 2-year-old daughter, who was found in an English village pond.

Alice Mackey, 42, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Annabel Mackey, who died in September 2023.

The infant had been reported missing from her home in Kingsley, in Hampshire, before being found in a serious condition in the pond. She was taken to hospital but died the following day.

Mackey had been charged with murder, but her manslaughter plea was accepted on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Winchester Crown Court today. She will be sentenced on October 6.

Judge Christopher Parker told the court: “There will be a further hearing on October 6.

“My expectation is that on that date either sentence will take place if in due course the court and counsel are in agreement of the factual basis, or there will be directions for a further hearing to sort out the factual basis of your plea.”

In a statement released by Hampshire Police after Annabel’s death, her father said she “brought so much happiness into our lives”.

“Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl,” he said.

“She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs and her dolly. She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes, and had a very sweet tooth.

“Annabel loved to laugh, she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

“Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life. Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did.

“The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness. Annabel, I love you so much – you are a shining star, and you will be loved forever.”