A mother has admitted killing her two-year-old daughter.
Alice Mackey, 42, of Oakhanger, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Annabel Mackey who died after being found in a pond in Kingsley, Hampshire.
Annabel went missing from her home in Forge Road, in the neighbouring village of Bordon on September 10, 2023.
The youngster was found a short time later at Kingsley Pond and was taken to hospital in a serious condition but died the following afternoon.
Mackey denied murder but admitted manslaughter, which was acceptable to the prosecution as two psychiatrists reports showed that she was in a state of ‘diminished responsibility’ at the time.
She was remanded in custody until sentencing on October 6 at Winchester Crown Court.
In a statement released through police shortly after her death, Annabel’s father said: ‘Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl.
‘She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs and her dolly.
‘She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth.
Annabel Mackey is pictured with her parents Alice and Peter Mackey before her tragic death
Annabel was reported missing from her home in the Hampshire village of Kingsley and was discovered lying in a pond half a mile away from her £600,000 family home
Mackey is accused of killing toddler Annabel in September 2023. She is pictured in court for an earlier hearing
The toddler was found in Kingsley Pond (pictured) and was taken to hospital, where she later died
Police divers from Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit searched the pond where the girl was found on Kingsley Common
‘Annabel loved to laugh, she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.
‘Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life. Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did.
‘The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness.
‘Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever.’
The area of Kingsley Pond where it is believed Annabel was found appeared to be little more than one foot deep.
The secluded road the Mackey family lived on is connected to the pond by a quiet bridleway.
The beauty spot can be reached in around five minutes by foot from the road.
The area – Kingsley Common – is owned by the Ministry of Defence and locals regularly hear gunshots being fired as part of military training exercises.
