Nicole Blain sentenced to life for killing newborn

A mother has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering her 19-day-old daughter, with a minimum term of 19 years before she can be considered for parole. Nicole Blain, 30, was convicted last month of killing Thea June Wilson at her flat in Greenock, Inverclyde, on July 14, 2023. The High Court in Glasgow heard that the newborn suffered catastrophic injuries consistent with being violently shaken and repeatedly struck against a hard surface.

Judge Lord Scott imposed the life sentence, dismissing Blain’s account of events as patently absurd. He stated that the jury had found beyond reasonable doubt that Blain, the person responsible for Thea’s care, had committed an act of intentional or wickedly reckless violence. The judge directly addressed Blain, saying what happened was no accident and could not have been caused by a fall or being dropped.

The trial in April heard that Thea sustained three skull fractures, brain damage, and bleeding behind her eyes. Pathologist Leighanne Deboys told jurors that a combination of shaking and impact with a hard surface would account for the injuries, which another medic described as similar to those suffered in a high-speed car crash....