Updated 12.35

A Cork woman has received a seven year suspended sentence for smothering her 8-year-old son to death with a pillow.

Mr Justice Barry White said the case was 'particularly tragic' as Diane Ward was 'clearly very troubled' at the time of the killing at her home in Harrison's Place, Charleville in 2012.

In the early hours of September 3rd Ms. Ward (44) attempted to take her own life, smothered her son and left a note saying 'bury us together'.

She survived the suicide attempt and later pleaded guilty to Anthony's manslaughter. He was her only child.

The Central Criminal Court heard there had been a major rift in her family following her son's diagnosis with ADHD in 2011 and she had fears there would be nobody to look after him if she took her own life.

His lunchbox had been packed the night before his death for the start of a new school year.

Stable, normal and quite cheerful

Diane Ward has been in the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Dublin since 2012.

At her last court appearance in April, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Helen O'Neill gave evidence that she has suffered from a recurrent depressive disorder since 1992.

However she no longer meets the criteria for a mental disorder.

Today Dr. O'Neill updated the court on her condition. She said that while there is a long-term suicide risk, the Diane Ward is 'stable, normal and quite cheerful'.

A suitable in-patient placement has been found for her in Cork, where she can reside on a voluntary basis.

Seven year sentence

Mr Justice Barry White imposed a seven year suspended sentence on Diane Ward, based on an undertaking that she remains at the psychiatric unit until such time as she is considered fit to return to the community.

When that time comes and suitable accommodation is found, she is to accept whatever regime is put in place by the probation and social welfare services.

'A good person who made a mistake'

Mr Justrice White said Anthony Ward's father had 'adopted a most charitable approach and attitude in this matter'.

In a statement read out to the court at a previous hearing Mark Ryan said he had no grievance with Diane, who he described as ''a good person who made a mistake.''