GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- A South Carolina woman who left her newborn son in the toilet where she gave birth to him while she was at the circus has pleaded guilty to injuring him.
Jessica Ann Blackham, 26, of Easley was given a five-year suspended sentence Wednesday, the Greenville News reported. She must spend a year in home confinement and three years on probation.
Blackham, who was 24 at the time, said she did not realize she was pregnant when she delivered the baby at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville.
"I love my son dearly and it kills me to know that in the first few crucial moments of his life I was unable to provide him with the care he needed," she said. "And I thank God that somebody was there to save him, to save his precious life."
Her attorney, Tom Quinn, said two psychiatrists had offered differing opinions on whether she was aware of her pregnancy.
The boy was rescued by a center employee and is now living with adoptive parents.
