'I can't think of anything more despicable' - childminder jailed after killing baby she was trusted to look after

Killer childminder Karen Foster has been jailed for 12 years and seven months in jail following the death of Harlow Collinge.

Nine-month-old Harlow was shaken 'in frustration' by the 62-year-old after he fell from a chair while under her care on March 1, 2022.

Today (June 13), Preston Crown Court heard how Harlow's parents had trusted Foster to look after their youngest child - but that trust had been betrayed.

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The court was told how Harlow suffered injuries typical of the "extreme end of what is seen in abusive head trauma". Foster had 'snapped' after the youngster fell from a chair while struggling to cope with the demands of caring for four children.

At the time Harlow was killed, the childminder was caring for more children than she was allowed under Ofsted rules. It was a decision she had made 'for financial reasons'.

Harlow's mum Gemma said: "How do I explain what it is like losing my son in the most horrific circumstances, his whole life taken away by a horrible individual who I trusted."

"Harlow was enjoying his little life. He had everything he needed, his love of us all was clear to see. He loved to sing with his sisters and laughing. I was enjoying being a new mum again. He made us all love life being with him. Our little bubble was all taken away in a split second."

"The moment I got a call saying Harlow had choked changed everything. I knew something was not right with this woman. My instincts were right, I took steps to change where he attended but he never got that chance."

She added: "I can still picture the room in Blackburn where we all sat, and the nerve of Karen Foster who could see the