Updated 12.50

A Cork woman in her 40s has pleaded guilty to killing her young son (8) at their home in Charleville 18 months ago.

Diane Ward (43) was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court this morning on a charge of murdering Anthony Ward at Harrison's Place in Charleville on September 3rd, 2012.

She replied not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter.

He was her only son.

Prosecution barrister Timothy O'Leary SC told the court that her plea was acceptable to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

He said diminished responsibility was an issue in the case and that psychiatric evidence will be required for her sentencing hearing on this day week.

Anthony was discovered at his home by a relative on the day he had been due to start a new term at school.

The post mortem concluded that he died from asphyxia.