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A killer mum has been handed life in prison for the murder of her helpless two-year-old son.

Carol Hodgson, 39, will have to serve a minimum of 18 years and four months behind bars.

She pleaded guilty to killing Daniel Hodgson Green at a brief hearing at Teesside Crown Court on June 13.

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Today (July 15), Alistair MacDonald QC told the court she deliberately killed Daniel and then attempted to take her own life, but was thwarted when her mother found her in the bedroom.

Mr MacDonald also said Hodgson's mother found a note from her daughter telling her she was sorry and warning her not to enter the bedroom.

It also said that the only way she could protect Daniel was to "take him with her".

Daniel's father was applying to have access to his son at the time of the murder, the court heard.

Police visited Hodgson's property in Upper Garth Gardens, Guisborough, North Yorkshire on February 2 following a report of concern about the toddler.

Hodgson was found unconscious in the bungalow with a plastic bag on her head having slit her wrists, next to Daniel's lifeless body.

The court heard how Hodgson told paramedics that she "wanted to be left alone" and "wanted to die" when she came around.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

Mr MacDonald said Daniel was already dead when paramedics arrived.

A post mortem revealed no clear injuries but it was said the toddler had been smothered and suffocated.

A doctor recorded the cause of death as unascertained but said smothering couldn't be ruled out.

The court also heard that a large amount of Daniel's DNA was recovered from a plastic hoover bag found on the bed. "This was the murder weapon," said Judge Watson.

When announcing the sentence, Judge Watson said: "You have never really offered an explanation for what you did."

The judge also explained that Hodgson initially denied murdering her son and maintained she only intended to kill herself.

"You must have put the bag over his head and kept it there until you were sure he was dead," he said.

Hodgson will have to serve a minimum of 18 years and four months before she can be considered for parole. She'll also remain on licence for life once she is released.

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After the plea last month, Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth said: “Today our thoughts are with Daniel’s family.

“The loss of Daniel, at such a young age, is beyond comprehension.

“I’d like to thank all the team who have worked on this harrowing investigation and ensured that we could bring this matter to court.”

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