Swedish court finds adoptive mother of deceased Czech boy guilty of neglect

A Swedish court has found the adoptive mother of a Czech boy who died earlier this year guilty of neglect. Three year-old Erik, who was sent to the Swedish family in the town of Jonkoping last year, died of untreated pneumonia and blood poisoning. His body was covered with over 150 bruises and festering wounds. His adoptive parents originally faced up to six years in prison on charges of psychological and physical abuse, resulting in death. The charges were reduced to neglect after an expert on infectious diseases testified that the wounds may also have been caused by a skin disease.

The court is now awaiting the result of the adoptive mother's psychiatric assessment. A verdict on the charges brought against Erik's father is expected at the end of the month.