National News
Mother charged over toddler death
11:08am Friday 3rd September 2010
A mother who carried the lifeless body of her two-year-old son into a police station has been charged with murder.
Melanie Ruddell, 39, had been receiving hospital treatment following her arrest after she carried the body of her son Christy into Peterlee Police Station , County Durham, last month.
Mrs Ruddell, of Dean View, Castle Eden, County Durham, is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates.
A Durham Police spokesman said: "Police have... charged a woman with the murder of her two-year-old son last month.
"Melanie Ruddell, 39, had been receiving hospital treatment following her arrest after she carried the lifeless body of her son Christy into Peterlee police station on August 9.
"After being given medical clearance to speak to her, police formally charged Mrs Ruddell with the offence."
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