In April 1998, Australian nanny Louise Sullivan was charged with the murder of baby Caroline Jongen. The case caused a media frenzy in Britain and Australia, but what really happened?
For the first time, this book offers Louise Sullivan's perspective. It details the fateful events leading up to baby Caroline's death, the ensuing criminal investigation and the verdict, as well as providing an insight into the issues involved in diagnosing Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Louise Sullivan was 26 years old and a qualified nanny when she arrived in England in 1997. She was delighted when she finally secured a full-time position with the friendly Jongen family and their adorable three month old daughter, Caroline. But just a few months later she found herself in a prison cell, charged with murder.
A gruelling investigation followed with Louise maintaining her innocence, claiming that baby Caroline had suffered a fit and began choking on her food before becoming unconscious. Louise had employed the "shake and shout" method she had been taught, to try to revive Caroline, but to no avail.
However, the prosecution, led by the relentless Detective Inspector Wigham of Scotland Yard, argued that Louise had shaken Caroline in a violent rage, causing the baby to suffer fatal injuries to her brain. Despite lost evidence, inconclusive autopsy results and medical controversy over Shaken Baby Syndrome, the prosecution built a strong case, feeding on the public's fear.
After being advised that a guilty verdict and jail sentence were likely, Louise reluctantly accepted a plea of involuntary manslaughter, which would allow her to return home to Australia with a suspended sentence. However, Louise Sullivan feels that she too is a victim of the tragic events that unfolded around her.
This is her side of the story.
