Libby Vernon faked a pregnancy, threw a party, and claimed the twins died. The boyfriend discovered the fake bump at the hospital.
Vernon, age 23, used a fake baby bump. This convinced her boyfriend of parenthood. She had faked another pregnancy before. This one involved a prior partner. The baby supposedly died soon after birth in 2023.
She wanted her new partner to raise that baby. She sent a picture of a newborn. The caption was “someone wants to meet you”. Then, she said the baby stopped breathing. CPR failed, and the infant passed away. She even provided a death certificate. The cause was listed as SIDS.
Later, she claimed to expect twin boys. She even threw a gender reveal party. At one point, she claimed a miscarriage. But, this was a misdiagnosis, she stated. The fake pregnancy continued after that deception. After the party, she went to the hospital. She said she had another miscarriage. Medics confirmed the babies’ deaths, she claimed.
Her boyfriend went to the hospital. Vernon was not in the maternity unit. He discovered the fake bump. He was said to be greatly upset. The prosecutor thanked the court for extra time. She called it a complex case.
Vernon’s lawyer spoke to the court. He said there were no guidelines for her crimes. He said she had no prior convictions. He added something needed exploring beneath the surface. There were no formal mental health diagnoses.
Vernon pleaded guilty to several charges. She sent false information four times. She sent false communication to cause harm five times. She also sent a false death certificate.
Her sentencing is set for March 19, 2025. She received bail with certain rules. Now, she must not enter Cumbria. She cannot contact her former partner.