AN IPSWICH woman who admitted poisoning a seven-month-old girl with a pain killer has been warned she could face a prison sentence.Lorraine Heron, 20, of Kildare Avenue, pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday to three counts of administering poison or a noxious substance as to endanger life or inflict GBH.
AN IPSWICH woman who admitted poisoning a seven-month-old girl with a pain killer has been warned she could face a prison sentence.
Lorraine Heron, 20, of Kildare Avenue, pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday to three counts of administering poison or a noxious substance as to endanger life or inflict GBH.
The court heard that on November 19, 20 and 21, 2004, Heron had given the girl – who cannot be named for legal reasons – the drug Tramadol, a potentially dangerous and addictive pain killer, in order to pacify her.
Caroline Bryant, mitigating, said Heron fully admitted administering the substance.
She said: "She accepts she gave it her on three separate occasions, but at no time did she intend her to come to any harm.
"She now knows by doing so, the victim's life was endangered but at the time, she did not know she could hurt her.
"She used Tramadol as it pacified the child, which was the reason she gave fully in police interview."
Tramadol is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain and is also used to treat pain caused by surgery and chronic conditions such as cancer or joint pain.
The drug has side effects including dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, blurred vision and vomiting. It can also be habit-forming.
Judge John Devaux postponed sentencing until a pre-sentence report and a psychiatric report could be completed, but he warned Heron that she could face custody.
He said: "This is a serious charge and one which could involve a custodial sentence.
"You have pleaded guilty and you will receive credit for this.
"However, you should prepare yourself for the possibility of prison."
Heron was released on bail with the condition that she did not see the child.
She will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on April 8.
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