Alice Mackey, 42, from Oakhanger in Hampshire, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her two-year-old daughter, Annabel Mackey. The toddler was discovered in a pond in Kingsley, Hampshire, after being reported missing from the family’s home on Forge Road in Bordon on September 10, 2023.
Emergency services found Annabel in Kingsley Pond shortly after she went missing. She was taken to hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away the following day.
Although Mackey denied murder, she admitted to manslaughter. The prosecution accepted her plea after two psychiatric evaluations concluded she was suffering from diminished responsibility at the time of the incident.
She is currently in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on October 6.
In a heartfelt statement shared through Hampshire Police, Annabel’s father described her as “a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl” with a kind and caring spirit. He said:
“She loved story time, singing songs, dogs, and her dolly. She had a sweet tooth and a laugh that filled our lives with joy. Annabel brought so much happiness to those around her and was deeply loved by her family and friends.”
He expressed gratitude to everyone who had a positive impact on her short life and urged people to carry forward her legacy by showing kindness and compassion.
“You are a shining star, Annabel. You will be loved forever,” he said.
Kingsley Pond, where Annabel was found, is shallow—barely more than a foot deep—and is located near a quiet bridleway connected to the Mackey family’s road. The scenic area, part of Kingsley Common, is owned by the Ministry of Defence and is often used for military training exercises, with local residents accustomed to hearing gunfire in the distance.
