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Mother faces prison after drugged milk killed son

Paul Cheston, Courts Correspondent
02.07.09

A morther faces up to 14 years in jail today after she admitted causing the death of her 21-month-old son by drugging his milk.

Laura Jane Vestuto, 28, crushed antidepressant amitriptyline and gave it to son Renzo to make him sleep.

Vestuto disguised the drug using other medication such as Calpol and gave it orally using syringes. Police also believe the drugs were given to Renzo in his milk and orange juice.

Jobless Vestuto had been prescribed amitriptyline as a pain reliever. Her partner, a baker, was not aware she was drugging her son.

Renzo died in September 2007 after waking up with breathing difficulties.

Vestuto dialled 999 and Renzo was admitted to Homerton Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Following his death toxicology tests revealed he had double the safe adult dose of amitriptyline in his system.

Vestuto, of Hackney, today admitted at the Old Bailey causing the death of Renzo. The charge carries a maximum term of 14 years.

Vestuto's not guilty plea to manslaughter was accepted by prosecutors. She will be sentenced on 23 July.


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