A mother who killed her newborn to save the child from growing up in a poverty-stricken family will be sentenced by the Suva High court today.

40-year-old Tavenisa Raceva was initially charged with murder, however, was found guilty of the lesser charge of infanticide by the court yesterday.

Judge Justice Salesi Temo overturned the opinion of the three assessors who had found Raceva guilty of one count of murder.

The Judge acquitted her of the murder charge.

The court heard that on March 9^th, 2017, Raceva gave birth in Navua and killed the baby.

She admitted committing the offense in her caution interview.

The High court Judge highlighted that Raceva earned $100 a week, was supporting her elderly mother and looking after three young children.

She had informed the court that she did not want the newborn child to grow up in a poverty-stricken family.

Justice Temo said Raceva was also constantly being abused by her family and had no support.

She did not think about giving the child up for adoption and neither did she think of seeking social welfare assistance.

The High court Judge said that she was not in the right state of mind.

The court also heard that she has given her two children for adoption and is now only looking after her 11-year-old child and 82-year-old mother.

Tavenisa Raceva will be sentenced this morning.