Mother sentenced to life in prison for murdering 19-day-old daughter

A Scottish court has sentenced a mother to life imprisonment for the murder of her 19-day-old daughter. Nicole Blain, 30, was ordered to serve at least 19 years before she can be considered for parole. The sentence followed a jury verdict delivered last month at the High Court in Glasgow.

Background of the case The victim, Thea Wilson, died in 2023.

Prosecutors said the infant suffered three skull fractures, brain damage and bleeding to the eyes. The court heard that the baby weighed the equivalent of two bags of sugar at the time of death. Her paternal grandmother described her in court as "perfect."

evidence Jurors were told Blain initially denied responsibility and posted an online tribute to the child. She told the jury she had slept through the incident and later found the baby on the floor without blankets or a nappy. Prosecutors said Blain created a false narrative about events inside her flat.

The court was also told the mother had previously expressed concern about what would happen to the child.

“Despite what you have continued to say, what happened was no accident. It could not have been caused by a fall or being dropped.”

He stated the act showed a hint of premeditation and rejected suggestions that another child had caused the injuries. Blain shouted to a support worker after the sentence was delivered, saying she loved her father. Thea Wilson was the woman's only child mentioned in court records.