A 42-year-old woman from East Hampshire, Alice Mackey, has been jailed for four years for the manslaughter of her two-year-old daughter, Annabel Mackey.
Mackey, of Oakhanger, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in July after denying murder. Reports from two psychiatrists indicated she was in a state of diminished responsibility at the time of the incident.
On 10th September 2023, Annabel went missing from her home on Forge Road, Kingsley, Bordon. She was later found at Kingsley Pond and taken to hospital in a serious condition, where she sadly died the following afternoon.
At Winchester Crown Court, the family shared moving tributes to Annabel. Her father, Peter, expressed his devastation:
“I am deeply traumatised by the thought of how my daughter was killed. She was my little friend, full of empathy, happy, and caring. Her life and milestones have been stolen from her and from me.”
Annabel’s aunt, Jennifer, shared:
“Whatever is good in my life will always be tainted by her loss. I donated 80 new children’s books in Annabel’s memory to Southampton Hospital, hoping they offer comfort to families in similar situations.”
Her grandfather, Keith, said:
“Annabel was a confident, intelligent, and loving little girl. Her life was stolen, and the impact on our family is profound and lasting.”
Her grandmother, Pammie, added:
“I adored Annabel. Those moments of joy and love will never be experienced again. The trust we had in her care was destroyed.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Howard Broadribb, commented:
“This tragic case has had a devastating impact on Annabel’s family. Nobody, especially a child, should face danger from those closest to them. Mackey’s admission ensured the family did not endure a full trial, and justice has now been served.”
