A TEENAGER who had three children by the time she was 17 has admitted killing her 19-month-old daughter.

Preston Crown Court heard a post mortem examination of Sarah Jenneys last year, showed she had abrasions, bruises, a fractured rib, a head injury, a tear to her bowel and scars from cigarette burns on her body.

Mother Tanya Jenneys, now 18, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and cruelty, but pleaded not guilty to murder.

The case was adjourned by Judge Peter Openshaw QC, until March 8 for a pre-sentence report to be put together.

Jenneys sat with her head bowed in court as David Steer QC, prosecuting, described how she had trouble coping with her children, and took her frustration out on Sarah.

Mr Steer said: "The defendant repeatedly assaulted and injured Sarah over a period of months and Sarah died as a result of the injuries she sustained immediately prior to her death on Wednesday, July 16."

Mr Steer told the court that Sarah was born on December 7, 2001.

He said that in the days before Sarah's death, Jenneys had missed appointments with a health visitor and at a clinic. Her mother Julie visited her home in Furness Street, Burnley, and realised something was wrong.

Jenneys' partner broke into the house, and found her with a Stanley knife, injuries on her arm and a blank expression on her face.

Sarah was lying cold in her cot. Paramedics were called but at 11.25am the baby was pronounced dead.

Mr Steer told the court: "Following the birth of Sarah her behaviour was such that there was at least a very real suspicion that she was suffering from post-natal depression."

But, according to Mr Steer, this was ruled out.

He said: "She felt that her children had robbed her of her childhood." Police forensic tests carried out on the house found bloodstains throughout the property which came from Sarah.

Mr Steer told the court Jenneys had tried to 'nudge' her baby into taking a bath, but Sarah slipped and banged her head on a doorframe.

A post mortem examination revealed that she was suffering from a head injury which could have contributed to her death.

After the hearing, Detective Inspector Steve Pemberton said: "It has been a tragic case from start to finish for all those involved.

"The police stand by any judgements made by the court."