Cheshire woman murdered husband with boiling sugar water amid allegations he was a child sex abuser

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A woman from CHESHIRE who murdered her husband by pouring boiling sugar water over him while he was sleeping was motivated to do so due to allegations of child sexual abuse.

Corinna Smith, also known as Corinna Baines, 59, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday July 9 and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum jail term of 12 years.

Smith, of Highfield Road, Neston, had previously been convicted following a trial.

The jury heard she mixed boiling water with three bags of sugar, leaving Michael Baines with 36 percent burns on his body.

The 80-year-old was taken to Whiston Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in serious condition. He received treatment for his injuries but, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died a month later on Tuesday August 18.

It can now be reported that on July 13 Smith was told by her daughter of “devastating” allegations that her husband had sexually abused children “for many years.”

This included an allegation of child sexual abuse against the only child Corinna Smith and Michael Baines had together – Craig Baines – who tragically committed suicide at the age of 25 in 2007.

In her remarks on the sentence, the judge, Hon. Justice Amanda Yip DBE, said: “He had been troubled before his death and had been in prison for a serious assault.

“You and the rest of the family couldn’t understand why Craig’s life had taken this course.

“He told you that the man he attacked was a pedophile and that he had sexually touched him.

“The day before Craig died he was in some distress and said, ‘Mom, he’s a pedophile.’

“You understood he was referring to the man he assaulted. Craig looked happier the next day and you didn’t delve into what he said.

“It’s something you’ve felt guilty about ever since. You blamed yourself for Craig’s death when you had no reason to.

“Your trial could not and did not explore the truth of the allegations against your husband. The prosecution acknowledged that the allegations were made and that you believed them. No doubt the revelations were extremely distressing for you. you.”

It was late that night when Smith mixed the three bags of sugar with about two kettles full of boiling water, a process the court said took about 13 minutes.

After Smith poured the boiling sugar water over her 38-year-old husband, she ran to a neighbor to tell them what she had done.

Defense lawyer Mary Loram said she was “screaming” in distress as police arrived.

Judge Yip added, “While the context provides an explanation as to why you did what you did, I’m sure you know it can’t provide an excuse.

“Your actions cannot begin to be justified no matter what you think your husband did. You took Mr. Baines’ life and caused terrible pain and shock to his children and those who loved him. The statements moving and worthy of his daughters and your son also make it clear.

“Mr. Baines’ murder also removed any possibility of verifying the allegations. It took away his right to a fair trial, bearing in mind that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

“I have no doubt that this has caused untold pain to Mr. Baines’ children. The allegations are left open but not proven. It is a pretty appalling situation for the whole family. They are by no means to blame for it all and they deserve the greatest sympathy. ”

Continuing, Mark Rhind said a number of personal statements from victims of family members had been submitted to the court, describing the distress they had suffered over the past year.

Upon sentencing, Judge Yip said, “I condemn you on the grounds that your intention was to cause serious harm rather than to kill. Moreover, this intention was formed while you were in a state of distress.

“It was not a long-standing and carefully worked out plan. You used materials that you already had at home. I accept that your initial reaction was to call the police and that the intent to harm to your husband did not show up until later when you were home and insist on what you had been told.

“Corinna Smith, for the murder of Michael Baines, I sentence you to life imprisonment. The minimum sentence will be 12 years, less the 166 days you were in remand and 96 days credit for time spent on a curfew.

“This term represents the minimum period that you will have to serve. Once served, there is no guarantee that you will be released at that time, or at any particular time thereafter.

“It will be up to the Parole Board to decide if and when you are fit for release.

“You also need to understand that if and when you are released you will remain licensed for the rest of your life and therefore may be recalled and continue in detention if you reoffend. ”

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