Mother Jailed for Life for Murdering 19-Day-Old Daughter

Nicole Blain, 30, has been jailed for life with a minimum of 19 years for murdering her 19-day-old daughter Thea Wilson. Thea died from injuries consistent with being shaken and hit against a hard surface. Blain claimed another child dropped Thea, but this was deemed "patently absurd" by Judge Lord Scott. Thea's father, Ross Wilson, expressed devastation in a statement. An appeal has been lodged.

The trial revealed Thea suffered skull fractures, brain damage, and bleeding behind the eyes, injuries a pathologist said were like those from a car crash. Blain had been visited by a social worker earlier the day of Thea's death, complaining of tiredness.

Dozens in court called Blain a "monster" as she was led away. A balloon release for Thea followed the hearing.