Mum in toddler drowning case off the hook

The woman who allegedly drowned her 17-month-old son in the sea off East Coast Park was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal yesterday.

Lim Ann Nee was found to be suffering from "acute transient psychotic disorder" at the time of the alleged offence on Nov 25, 2013.

The 45-year-old woman was originally charged with murdering her son, Emilien Lacroix, but the charge was amended to culpable homicide last August. She was released on bail after being remanded for about eight months.

The toddler's body was found floating about 300m from Bedok Jetty, while Lim was rescued by the Police Coast Guard off East Coast Park that day.

A statement from the Attorney-General's Chambers said Lim has recovered fully from the psychotic episode. Her subsequent psychiatric assessments have been favourable, and she has strong family and social support.

More than a dozen people - including her husband, a French national, and family members - were in court.

Stringent conditions have been placed on Lim, who has to continue to undergo periodic psychiatric visits or counselling for three years.

Her husband has to give an undertaking to ensure that she is properly cared for, and prevented from harming herself or others.

Speaking to reporters, Lim's lawyer Anand Nalachandran said: "Moving forward, their focus will be mourning the loss of Emilien. As you can imagine, it will be a long and difficult road for them."

Lim hugged her husband and several people as she walked out of the courtroom. Her husband had a bouquet of lilies for her.

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