A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her 19-day-old baby, whom she tried to blame her injuries on another child.

Nicole Blain, aged 30, was convicted of killing Thea Jane Wilson after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. She will have to serve a minimum of 19 years before being considered for parole.

The infant sustained severe injuries, including three skull fractures, brain damage, and eye bleeding, during an incident at Blain’s residence in Greenock, Inverclyde, on July 14, 2023.

Medical experts determined that Thea’s injuries were consistent with violent shaking and impacts against a hard surface, indicating intentional harm.

In an attempt to cover up the crime, Blain falsely claimed that she found her daughter injured after waking up from a nap, and suggested that another child in the house was responsible for the harm inflicted on Thea.

Prosecutors dismissed Blain’s fabricated story as baseless, and a pathologist discredited the possibility of the injuries being caused by the other child.

Following her guilty verdict last month, Blain was informed by Judge Lord Scott that she would receive a life sentence. Further details about the duration of her incarceration will be decided after additional information is considered. In the meantime, she remains in custody.

Blain, who had been out on bail, wept as she was taken away to prison. Thea, born on June 25, 2023, was described in court as a “perfect” baby.

In response to the conviction, Police Scotland issued a statement recounting the events leading to Blain’s arrest and subsequent murder charge.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Young expressed the tragedy of the case, emphasizing the loss of the baby’s life and the accountability that Blain must now face for her actions. She commended the investigative efforts of the officers and partner agencies involved in the case.