Mother accused of manslaughter denies injuring two-year-old

Leanne Labonte and Dennis Henry

A mother who has been accused of the manslaughter of her
two-year-old daughter, has denied causing injuries found on the
girl’s body.

Leanne Labonte told an Old Bailey jury she knew nothing of
Ainlee Walker’s injuries until she was taken into hospital on 7
January this year.

“Did you cause any of those injuries to your
daughter?” asked defence counsel Sasha Wass QC.

“No” Labonte replied.

“Were you, or can you tell the jury when you were first
aware of the extent of the injuries she sustained”.

“On the 7th of January,” said Labonte.

Ainlee suffered more than 60 injuries to her emaciated body
including cigarette burns to her feet, groin and bottom.
Labonte and her partner Dennis Henry, Ainlee’s father, of Plaistow,
east London, deny manslaughter and child cruelty.

The trial continues.