Woman guilty of Casey's park murder (From The Oxford Times)

Woman guilty of Casey's park murder

1:34pm Wednesday 11th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A woman with a history of mental health problems has been found guilty of murdering a 13-year-old stranger in a park.

Hannah Bonser, 26, stabbed Casey Kearney in a random attack in Elmfield Park, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on Valentine's Day.

A jury at Sheffield Crown Court rejected Bonser's claim that she was guilty only of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.

The judge, Mr Justice Cranston, said he will pass sentence at 2pm.

Bonser showed no emotion when the jury foreman returned the guilty verdict after two hours of deliberation. She sat in the dock looking ahead, as she has done throughout the week-long trial, surrounded by four prison officers.

There were cries of "Yes" from the public gallery which was packed with Casey's family. Her father, Anthony Kerney, appeared to wipe away tears.

Many in the gallery were wearing orange ties and scarves - one of Casey's favourite colours - in memory of the teenager.

Bonser, of Cusworth House, Doncaster, had denied murder. She has a history of mental health problems and her defence team claimed she is a paranoid schizophrenic.

Her barrister, David Fish QC, had asked the jury of seven women and three men to find his client guilty of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility or lack of intent.

But prosecutors argued that she suffers from a personality disorder, not a psychosis, and was guilty of murder. The jury agreed.

The judge told the court that Bonser will be jailed for life and the minimum term will be fixed this afternoon.