Bristol: Baby killer Claudia Martins 'stuffed tissue in daughter's mouth' and hid her in suitcase

Bristol mother Claudia Martins has been found guilty of killing her baby daughter after being accused of stuffing tissue into her mouth and hiding her body in a suitcase.

The 33-year-old of Marshall Walk, Knowle, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility following a trial at Bristol Crown Court and will be sentenced at a later date.

Avon and Somerset Police were called to a flat in Knowle on 15 September 2014 after the baby's body was discovered in a suitcase. Tissue was found in the baby's mouth and is believed to have caused the baby's death.

During the trial, the court heard how Martins had concealed her pregnancy from family and friends.

Senior investigating officer detective inspector Neil Meade said: "The death of a baby is always a tragedy but the unique circumstances make this a particularly emotive case for everyone involved.

"We carried out a sensitive and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the baby girl's death and obtained statements from medical experts specialising in this field.

"We've also worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service from the outset. The jury has listened to the evidence and convicted Claudia Martins of manslaughter.

"Our thoughts are very much with the victim's wider family as they are struggling to comprehend how and why this tragedy happened."