Petition backs childminder jailed over baby's death
Posted by News Editor
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Supporters of a Buckinghamshire woman jailed for shaking a baby to death have handed a petition in at Downing Street, asking for a change in the law.

Childminder Keran Henderson, of Iver Heath, was jailed for three years in November 2007 for the manslaughter of 11-month-old Maeve Sheppard.

Maeve died of brain injuries in March 2005 while being looked after by the 42-year-old mother-of-two.

Experts for the prosecution claimed the injuries were caused by Mrs Henderson shaking the baby in anger when she soiled her nappy.

Mrs Henderson maintains her innocence and claimed during her trial that Maeve, who lived in Iver Heath, suffered a seizure. Two jurors have since come forward to express their doubts about the conviction.

Mrs Henderson's supporters, including husband Iain and their two children, have been campaigning for her release with local events and by selling yellow ribbons.

They marched on Wednesday through the streets of London and presented a copy of their petition to Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve, who is also shadow Attorney General, at the Houses of Parliament, and delivered other copies at the Ministry of Justice and at Downing Street.

The petition, which calls for "a change in the process which allows wrongful convictions based solely on unscientifically proven theories", was signed by 350 adults.

A separate petition designed for children to sign attracted 150 names. Supporter Alison Roper said: "It has given everybody a real boost."

An appeal against Mrs Henderson's conviction is due to be lodged by the end of the month.

Source: Hastings Observer