A former science teacher burst into tears today as she denied murdering her three-year-old daughter by drowning her.
Claire Colebourn, 35, is accused of killing her daughter Bethan by drowning her at their £400,000 home in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
Bethan was rushed to Salisbury District Hospital, Wiltshire, on October 19 last year, after emergency services were called to the converted bungalow.
Claire Colebourn broke down in tears in court as she denied murdering her daughter Bethan, pictured, by drowning her at her £400,000 family home
However, the ‘fun-loving, adventurous’ little girl was tragically pronounced dead at hospital.
Appearing today at Winchester Crown Court, Hampshire, Colebourn, now of Oxford, spoke only to confirm her name and enter her plea.
Colebourn, whose husband Michael works as chief executive officer of luxury marine interior company Trimline, broke into tears as the charges were read out to her.
Judge Keith Cutler remanded her in custody until her trial, which is due to start on March 5 next year.
Bethan’s father Michael Colebourn, pictured, who runs a luxury marine design firm, previously paid tribute to his daughter and described her as ‘fun-loving, adventurous and caring’
The court heard the trial, which will be heard by a high court judge, will last up to three weeks.
Judge Cutler said: ‘This is the case of Claire Colebourn, who faces the charge of murder of Bethan Colebourn, her three-year-old daughter.
‘She has pleaded not guilty.
‘This is a terrible and tragic case, which needs full investigation and I completely support the work being done to contact a number of experts.
‘It has been decided that this case should be tried before a high court judge, but the availability is very limited.
‘In the circumstances, we have a full slot for this trial beginning March 5, 2019.
‘Mrs Colebourn, that’s it for today. I adjourn this case over for trial. Thank you for attending and I remand you back into custody.’
Heartbroken Mr Colebourn, 37, who did not attend the hearing today, paid tribute to his daughter at the time of her death.
In a tribute, released by the family, they said: ‘Family and friends are devastated at our tragic loss.
Colebourn allegedly killed her daughter at the families converted bungalow in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, pictured
‘Bethan brought so much happiness and joy to so many people’s lives.
‘Bethan was a fun loving, adventurous and caring young girl who will be dearly missed.
‘She will be in our hearts and minds forever.’
Colebourn denies one count of murder.
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