A depressed mother who faked her son's illness - for which he underwent two operations - has been ordered to undergo psychiatric treatment.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered from a form of Munchausen's Syndrome by proxy, Cardiff Crown Court heard on Friday.

She subjected this young child to completely unnecessary surgical procedures Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees

Having spiked urine samples of her son's with her own blood, the boy underwent a kidney biopsy in February 2001 and underwent a second bout of surgery last year before it was discovered that his blood type was different to that found in the samples.

The court heard that the 38-year-old mother had concocted the illness because she felt "neglected" and wanted to get more attention from her husband.

She admitted two charges of child cruelty.

It was said she was suffering from a form of Munchausens Syndrome by proxy, similar to the condition which affected killer nurse Beverley Allitt.

Allitt, who suffered from the personality disorder Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, killed four children and injured nine others between 1991 and 1993.

Allitt: Killed four children and injured nine others

"Through her actions, she subjected this young child to completely unnecessary surgical procedures including the use of general anaesthetic," said prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees.

"This caused him substantial risk and great discomfort."

Recorder Paul Lewis QC ordered the mother to serve a three-year term of psychiatric community rehabilitation.

'Distress'

He told her: "You sought medical treatment for your son claiming he had blood in his urine. In fact you had contaminated it with your own blood.

"Because of your actions he underwent two invasive procedures which must have caused him distress and unnecessary suffering.

"At the time you committed these offences you were depressed and were suffering from Munchausens by Proxy.

"You were seeking attention from medical personnel because of the difficulties you were experiencing in your personal life."