Baby Roasted on Fire

A woman whose newborn child was found in a fire avoided any prosecution as doctors could not be certain if it had been born alive.

Ann Burke was well known to the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Children and whilst living in Bootle in 1893 was jailed for two months for neglect. Her husband, a marine fireman was disgusted at this when he returned from sea and refused to live with her again, but did agree to pay £5 every three weeks for his three children's upkeep.

By 1895 Ann was living in Leyden Street in Kirkdale (where Lethbridge Close is now) and was in a state of advanced pregnancy by the late summer. On 16th September Ann told neighbour Ellen Tyrer that she had given birth to 'the loveliest son God ever sent into the world that was stillborn' and that Nurse Williams had taken him away in a coffin. Mrs Hopkins a shopkeeper was told a similar story, that Ann had given birth on 15th September and the dead baby was taken away by Nurse Williams.

Mrs Tyrer and Mrs Hopkins were not the only neighbours to enquire about Ann as when Bridget Rooney noticed that she was no longer pregnant she asked what had become of the baby. Ann replied that Bridget should go and see Nurse Williams in Athol Street and Dr Wade in Boundary Street if she wanted an answer.

Bridget did just what Ann suggested and when both medical professionals denied any knowledge of having attended to her the police were informed. This led to two detectives going to Ann's house on 19th September and forcing the door when she refused to answer. When they gained entry Ann was in a wild state and acting strangely. Noticing something strange burning on the fire Detective Inspector Kneale got a shovel and found that it was a baby's head.

Ann was taken into custody and her three children, all aged under eight, were removed to the Islington children's centre. Two days later an inquest took place but although a two doctors could confirm that the baby was fully developed, they were unable to say if it had been born alive. This led to the jury returning an open verdict and Ann was released without charge, her mental state meaning she did not even face court for concealment of birth.