A Finnish mother who severely abused her infant has been declared not criminally responsible for her actions. The Court of Appeal confirmed she will receive compulsory psychiatric care instead of prison.
The woman, 27, was originally sentenced to prison by the District Court of Western Uusimaa. Due to her mental state, she was released from criminal liability. The court ordered involuntary special care under Finland's Mental Health Act.
What happened to the baby? The infant suffered extensive skull fractures, multiple bone breaks, internal bleeding, and brain injuries. Medical staff testified the baby showed no responsiveness and had visible external injuries when brought to hospital in November 2023.
The baby required emergency surgery after their condition suddenly deteriorated. Doctors noted the injuries were consistent with being struck forcefully in the head.
How old was the child during the abuse? The infant was just 7 to 11 weeks old when the violence occurred. The court found the mother had hit, squeezed, or otherwise assaulted the child's upper body.
The mother claimed the baby fell and hit a table. She also cited an old hand injury that might have caused her to drop the child.
Medical experts completely dismissed the falling explanation. Two doctors testified the head injuries would have required a fall from several meters high to occur.
During mental state observations, staff noticed the woman attempted to simulate left-side paralysis symptoms. She avoided using her left arm when she knew she was being watched, yet carried heavy stacks of dishes and washed windows with both hands normally.
The mother told court she had a difficult birth and cared for the baby mostly alone. She said the child cried frequently and she got almost no sleep. The court acknowledged childcare responsibility had been mentally overwhelming for her.
The father was originally convicted but the Court of Appeal found no evidence of his involvement in the violence.
This case highlights the extreme vulnerability of infants and the critical importance of mental health support for new parents. The court's decision to prioritize psychiatric treatment over punishment reflects Finland's approach to addressing the root causes of such tragic situations.