A U.K. mother has admitted to manslaughter in the death of her young daughter, who was found unresponsive in a pond near their Hampshire home nearly two years ago.
On Monday, July 28, 42-year-old Alice Mackey pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Winchester Crown Court, following the tragic death of her 2-year-old daughter, Annabel Mackey.
The case stems from an incident on September 10, 2023, when police responded to a report of a missing child in the village of Oakhanger. Authorities later located Annabel in Kingsley Pond, approximately 350 yards from the family’s home. She was unresponsive and rushed to the hospital in critical condition but died the following day, September 11, police confirmed.
According to a statement from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Mackey has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 6, 2025, for a further hearing ahead of sentencing.
Detectives from the Major Crime Team led the investigation into Annabel’s disappearance and death. In March, Mackey was formally charged with murder; however, she has now admitted guilt under the legal classification of diminished responsibility, indicating that her mental state at the time played a role in the child’s death.
Annabel’s father shared an emotional tribute earlier this year, remembering his daughter as a joyful and kind-hearted child.
“Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl,” he wrote. “She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs, and her dolly. She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth.”
“Annabel loved to laugh, she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends,” the tribute continued. “Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did.”
“The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness,” he added. “Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever.”
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary declined to provide additional comment when contacted by PEOPLE. The U.K. Courts and Tribunals Judiciary also declined to comment on the case.
