Death; Harlow Collinge, Lancashire, Child Nanny charged with murder for killing Infant In Her Care

Emergency services were called to a home, on March 1st 2022, to reports that a vibrant little boy had collapsed. Karen Foster, who was  62 at the time, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter following the death of nine-month-old Harlow Collinge, who died from injuries he suffered at her home in Hapton, Lancashire. Following a 15 month investigation, Foster was charged with Harlow’s murder it was reported that he was taken to hospital before being transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital, but he died from his injuries four days later.

What Happened to little Harlow?

She denied the charge, but as she was due to stand trial she admitted shaking Harlow in frustration after he fell from a chair and cried. Harlow had been dropped off at the defendant’s address in Hapton, Burnley, Lancashire, on March 1 2022. Later that day she called 911 and told the operator that Harlow was not breathing, the court was told, and went on to inform a paramedic he had suddenly collapsed.

Her basis of plea for manslaughter was that “forceful shaking” of Harlow caused his death after he had fell over, out of his high chair, began crying and she shook him in frustration, the court heard. During legal argument the court heard a CT scan of the infant’s head showed significant injuries to the brain, with bleeding on both sides and swelling.

Harlow had been described as a “healthy and happy boy” prior to the traumatic injuries he suffered. He was chatty, energetic, and an innocent toddler looking forward to having his best life with his parents who loved and adored him. It was tragic for that to have happened to him.