Former Aberdeen NHS worker guilty of poisoning young boy

Tracy Menhinick, an ex-NHS employee from Aberdeen, has been convicted of poisoning a young boy by administering excessive amounts of laxative, leading to his stunted growth and hospitalization.

The victim, between three and six years old during the abuse, now suffers from permanent disfigurement.

Throughout the 19-day trial at Aberdeen's High Court, over 5,500 pages of medical evidence were reviewed, depicting the severe weight loss and health issues the child endured. One expert likened the boy's emaciated state to that of a concentration camp survivor.

Dr. Peter Sullivan, a pediatric gastroenterology specialist, concluded that the child received large doses of lactulose. Menhinick's removal from the child's care saw a significant improvement in his health, pointing to her as the perpetrator of Munchausen by proxy—caregiver-induced illness.

Despite denial and alternative theories presented by the defense, the prosecution highlighted Menhinick's uncanny predictions of the child's health episodes and possession of lactulose at her home.

The boy's health crisis was described by expert witnesses as "catastrophic," ultimately drawing criticism of the initial hospital investigation.

Menhinick, a wheelchair user, showed emotional distress as the verdict was announced. Due to her health problems, special arrangements for her imprisonment are being made, with sentencing scheduled for March 19 at the High Court in Glasgow.