Cork woman pleads guilty to manslaughter of son

A Cork woman has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her eight-year-old-son in 2012.

Diane Ward (45) of Harrison Place, Charleville will be sentenced next Monday to allow time for psychiatric evidence to be given to the court.

Ward appeared at the Central Criminal Court today where she pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty of manslaughter.

The court heard that her plea to manslaughter was accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Tim O’Leary SC prosecuting told the court that “psychiatric evidence is not available on todays date” and asked that sentencing take place next week to allow time for evidence to be provided.

Mr Justice Paul Carney said that sentencing would take place next Monday.