A GWENT mother admitted the manslaughter of her baby daughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Jade Ruck, 23, formerly of St David's Road, Mardy, Abergavenny, appeared in Cardiff Crown Court charged with murdering Harley Ruck on November 20 last year.

Stood in the dock, flanked by three workers from the Caswell Clinic in Bridgend, Ruck pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Ruck's counsel, Peter Murphy QC said four psychiatric consultants had assessed the defendant and the conclusion of the fourth report was awaited.

Prosecutor James Wilson said he was unable to accept or reject the plea on behalf of the crown until the fourth report was concluded.

The Recorder of Cardiff, Nicholas Cooke QC, adjourned the hearing until next week when the prosecution will make their decision. Ruck was remanded in the Caswell Clinic until then.

Harley was found dead in a flat in St David's Road, Mardy, in the early hours of November 20 last year. Attempts were made to resuscitate the 11-month-old, who was just four days short of her first birthday, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Around 50 mourners braved bitter temperatures and falling snow for Harley's funeral at St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny, in December.

A tribute released by the family at the time described Harley as "beautiful, happy, loving."