Burnley woman Karen Foster pleads guilty to manslaughter

Karen Foster, 62, from Burnley, originally pleaded not guilty to murdering Harlow Collinge at a plea hearing last year.

On day three of her trial at Preston Crown Court today (June 7), Foster, of Walsden Grove, pleaded guilty to manslaughter against Harlow, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Karen Foster (Image: Lancashire Police)

Foster admitted she shook Harlow in frustration while he cried after he fell from a chair.

Foster will be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, June 13, with the hearing expected to get underway at 11am.

A trial into Harlow’s death began in Preston on Wednesday (June 5) but did not fully get underway.

Legal arguments were heard throughout the morning on Wednesday before a jury was selected in the afternoon, though not sworn in.

READ MORE: Harlow Collinge: Karen Foster pleads guilty to manslaughter

Delays throughout proceedings on Thursday meant the case did not progress.

Today, Foster appeared in court dressed in a white shirt, black jacket and black skirt and spoke to confirm her name and enter the plea.

Mr Justice Barry Cotter KC told Foster: "You've pleaded guilty. You'll be sentenced at 11am next Thursday. The likely sentence is one of a substantial period of custody. The interim period before that will give your team time to prepare mitigation."

Harlow, who was nine months old at the time of his death, was treated by emergency services when they were called to Mill Lane in Hapton on March 1, 2022, at around 1.20pm.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where it was discovered he had significant and non-accidental injuries to his brain.

Harlow died four days later. 

A post mortem examination revealed that Harlow’s cause of death was inflicted traumatic brain injury.

His parents and other members of the family sat in the public gallery as Foster entered her plea.

Foster was remanded back into custody ahead of her sentencing next week.

Harlow Collinge (Image: Family via GoFundMe)

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "Our thoughts remain with Harlow’s family who continue to be supported by specially-trained officers."

After the tot's death, a fundraiser was launched with friends and family rallying to amass £10,000 to support devastated parents, Gemma and Allen.

Family friend Mel Moon described Harlow as ‘a funny, playful baby who loved Peter Rabbit, milkshakes and pink wafer biscuits.’

She wrote: “He loved it when his sister sang Adele songs to him, he loved his doggies and running around in his baby walker. He loved his family, his mummy and daddy, brother and sisters, and his grandparents so much.

“He has left a Harlow shaped hole no one can fill.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Harlow Collinge was just nine months old and like all babies, relied on the adults caring for him to keep him safe.

“Despite being responsible for his wellbeing as a childminder, Foster’s brutal treatment cut Harlow’s life cruelly short. Our sympathies are with Harlow’s family, and we hope they are receiving the support they need.”

Anyone with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk If a child is in immediate danger, always phone 999.