Magistrate Kim Kyte-John on Thursday ordered a mother who attempted to murder her two children and commit suicide to seek psychiatric treatment when she appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate's Court.

According to the facts of the case, the 27-year-old, of Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, on December 17, 2006, allegedly gave her children a poisonous substance then attempted to take her own life.

The case was first called on December 21 and the woman was refused bail. On her second appearance at court, on January 4, she was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. Her attorney, Perry Gossai, in his application for bail said that his client needed counselling and psychiatric treatment. Gossai submitted that both children are below nine years of age and that they would be kept away from their mother. The children, he said, are presently in the care of their grandparents.

Police Prosecutor Rawle Ferreira opposed bail on the grounds of the nature and prevalence of the offence.

The court ruled that the woman should be referred for psychiatric examination at the New Amsterdam Hospital. She was also ordered to seek three months counselling by the probation and welfare officer to ensure her safety and that of her children. The magistrate also instructed that the children remain in the custody of their grandparents.

The woman was ordered to return to court on February 1.