Libby Vernon, 23, from North Staffordshire, deceived her partner using a fake baby bump, claiming she was pregnant with twins.
The court heard Vernon told many lies, claiming an ex-boyfriend abused her. She met a man online, starting a relationship because she wanted to raise the baby with him. She sent him a photo of a baby with the message, “Someone wants to meet you” in 2023.
Vernon claimed she gave birth, but four days later, she lied again, saying the baby stopped breathing. She said doctors tried CPR, but it failed. She even provided a death certificate stating the baby died of SIDS, which stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Later, she faked another pregnancy. This time, she told her partner she had twins after they were intimate. She complained of pain during the “pregnancy” and sent him a photo of a blood clot, claiming she had a miscarriage, then took it back, saying doctors supposedly misdiagnosed her, allowing the “pregnancy” to continue.
The couple held a gender reveal party in Cumbria county. The boyfriend’s family thought they were having twins. Vernon went to the hospital, saying she was in pain, but medical staff supposedly said the babies were dead again this time.
Her boyfriend arrived at the hospital and learned Vernon was not on the maternity ward. She was wearing a fake baby bump, which distressed him greatly. The prosecutor said the case was very complex and it took a lot of work to review charges.
The defense lawyer spoke to the court, stating that no set guidelines exist for such crimes. He shared concerns about possible custody and mentioned that she has no prior convictions, suggesting deeper issues exist, though no formal mental health diagnosis exists yet.
Vernon admitted to sending false information and pleaded guilty to nine charges total. She also admitted sending a false death certificate. Her sentencing will happen on March 19. The court granted her bail, with the stipulation that she cannot enter Cumbria or contact the victim.