Ann Patricia Quinn, 62, from Bramble Wood Manor in Dungannon, posted a package containing a baby doll with its eyes scratched out to a relative at her workplace on February 20, 2024. The package included a card addressed to a desperate would-be baby maker signed by best aunties in Cookstown. The relative had suffered a series of miscarriages.

Quinn initially denied using threatening or abusive behaviour. She changed her plea before the trial at Dungannon Magistrates Court but maintained she posted the package without knowing its contents. She claimed a man named Mr McKee gave it to her.

CCTV footage from the Oaks Road Post Office in Dungannon on February 19 showed Quinn carrying the package. A similar sympathy card with an offensive message had arrived the previous year.

At sentencing on Wednesday, Quinn accepted full responsibility. District Judge Francis Rafferty noted the victim miscarriages and rejected Quinn's claim of ignorance as coincidence. He stated the court would not accept she did not know the contents.

The judge addressed Quinn directly about procuring the doll, scratching out the eyes, adding the note, packaging it, and posting it. He said any right-thinking person would view the act with disgust.

Quinn has prior convictions for harassment and dishonesty. Her defence noted she cares for a child relative and described the act as despicable with an apology offered.

Quinn received a four-month prison sentence suspended for two years. A three-year restraining order was also imposed.