A woman from Erdington has admitted interfering with a child’s medication but denies a charge of attempted murder, telling Birmingham Crown Court she did not intend to cause the boy lasting harm or death.
Admitted tampering, denies attempt to kill
The defendant, Emma Jane Williams, 41, pleaded guilty in court to altering the boy’s medicine after hidden camera footage reportedly captured her using a syringe to add a substance to the medication. She was arrested in January following the discovery of the recording.
"he might get [an] iffy tummy and need to go to the toilet"
Giving evidence on Tuesday, Williams said she believed any effect would be minor and temporary, saying she thought the child might develop an unsettled stomach. She maintained she had no intention to cause permanent harm or to kill the boy.
Prosecution case and disputed history
The Crown alleges the defendant tampered with the child’s medication on multiple occasions and was "plotting the demise" of the youngster. Williams accepted in court that her actions were wrong and described them as a "wicked" act, saying she wanted to make amends.
"That's why I am here now, because I want to put things right."
During cross‑examination, Williams admitted making internet searches, including a query for "the worst thing you could mix" with the child’s medicine. She told jurors she did not know who had interfered with the medicine on earlier occasions before the camera was installed and said it was not her.
Police interview and trial status
The jury heard Williams lied to officers when arrested, even after being shown the video evidence. She told officers she was frightened, saying she had never been arrested before. Williams denies a single count of attempted murder; her trial is ongoing at Birmingham Crown Court.
- Defendant: Emma Jane Williams, 41, of Erdington
- Charge: Attempted murder (denied); admitted tampering with medication
- Evidence: Hidden camera footage, internet search history, police interview
- Court: Birmingham Crown Court; trial continuing
| Event | Date / detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest | January (after hidden camera footage) |
| Court testimony | Gave evidence on Tuesday; admitted tampering |
| Current status | Trial ongoing at Birmingham Crown Court |
The boy involved cannot be identified as a result of a court order. The case raises questions about medication safety in the home and the use of covert recording in gathering evidence. The trial will determine whether the Crown can prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to cause the child's death or serious harm.
