Theresa Riggi appears in special hospital court

A MOTHER today appeared before a sheriff at a specially convened court at hospital in connection with the death of her three children.

• Theresa Riggi

In a highly unusual move American-born Theresa Riggi, 46, appeared on petition at a location at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Sheriff Frank Crowe travelled from Edinburgh Sheriff Court so the appearance could take place.

Riggi, of Edinburgh, faced a murder charge at the brief private hearing.

She made no plea or declaration and she was fully committed to hospital under an assessment order. Such an order is made where it appears to the court that an accused person may be suffering from a mental disorder.

Eight-year-old twins Austin and Luke and their five-year-old sister Cecilia were found dead at a house at the city's Slateford Road on August 4.

Riggi was discovered injured and has remained at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary since. She was later charged by police.

The children and their mother had previously lived in Skene, Aberdeenshire, but moved to Edinburgh in the weeks before the children's deaths.

Their funeral took place in Aberdeen on Friday, with a requiem mass held in the city's St Mary's Cathedral.