Mum Alice Mackey jailed for four years for killing daughter, 2, found dead in pond

Annabel Mackey on a swing.
Annabel Mackey died after being found in a pond in Kingsley, Hampshire, in September 2023 (Picture: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary)

A mum has been jailed after she admitted killing her daughter, 2, who was found dead in a village pond.

Alice Mackey, 42, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Annabel in Kingsley, Hampshire, in September 2023 last July.

The toddler went missing from her home on September 10 and was found unresponsive a short time later at Kingsley Pond.

She was taken to the hospital in a serious condition but died the following afternoon.

Mackey pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder, which the court heard was acceptable to the prosecution, as reports by two psychiatrists showed she was in a state of ‘diminished responsibility’ at the time of the incident.

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Alice Mackey (left) has admitted killing her young daughter Annabel Mackey (pictured with her father Peter Mackey)
Alice Mackey (left) has admitted killing her young daughter Annabel Mackey (pictured with her father Peter Mackey)
Pictured: Police divers from Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit search the pond where the girl was found on Kingsley Common, Bordon, Hants.??????A police marine unit today searched the village pond where tragic Annabel Mackey was found unconscious. Specialist officers from Hampshire Constabulary???s Marine Unit carried out an underwater search as part of the force???s ongoing murder investigation. Three marine officers were seen crawling on their hands and knees in the water, meticulously scouring the shallow pond floor for evidence. The specific area of Kingsley Pond the officers searched - where it is believed little Annabel was found - appeared to be little more than 1ft deep. SEE OUR COPY FOR DETAILS. ?? Ollie Thompson/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800
Hampshire Constabulary divers searched the pond on Kingsley Common, where the girl was found (Picture: Ollie Thompson/Solent News)

Today, she was jailed for four years at Winchester Crown Court.

In a statement released by police after Annabel’s death, her father said: ‘Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl.

‘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.

‘Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life. 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.

‘Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever.’

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