08/04/2015

Mother Of Baby's Body Discovered In Norfolk Identified

Police investigating the discovery of baby's body in a Norfolk village nearly 30 years ago have traced the mother.

The body of the new-born baby was discovered in Weasenham St Peter on the 5 June 1988, however despite enquiries at the time police had been unable to identify the parents of the infant.

In April 2014 the body was exhumed from its grave in order to obtain a DNA sample. As a result detectives were able to run the sample through the national database, which led to a relative of the baby being identified.

Further enquiries led officers to trace the mother who was initially arrested on suspicion of infanticide. During police interview the woman revealed she had concealed her pregnancy from family and friends and delivered the baby by herself. The baby was delivered still born.

The case remains with the Crown Prosecution Service for decisions of whether the woman will face prosecution for offences including failing to register a birth and preventing a lawful burial.

(CD/MH)

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