Woman Leaves New Born To Die Under The Bed Of A Cruise Ship

A woman has admitted to giving birth on a Caribbean cruise ship and leaving the infant to die under a bed.

Alicia Kier, 24, entered a guilty plea on a charge of involuntary manslaughter at a court in Indiana on Wednesday.

The case stemmed back to October 2011, when Kier was on the cruise with friends.

Court documents said the then-20-year-old gave birth in her stateroom.

She then wrapped the baby girl in a towel and hid her under the bed.

In court on Wednesday, Kier told the judge: "She did not move. She did not make a sound."

She added that she knew the baby was born alive.

"I should have gotten help," Kier said in court.

A cleaning crew found the infant's body the following day after the ship docked at port in St Maarten.

Kier flew home from island after the baby was discovered.

A post-mortem examination found the baby died from exposure and lack of care.

The girl was born without any diseases or defects, court records said.

Kier said she knew she was pregnant but did not tell her travel companions.

She faces up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 (£158,628).

Sentencing will be on 20 August.