Former au pair Louise Woodward has become a mum, more than 16 years after she was jailed in America for killing a baby in her care.

Louise – convicted in 1997 of shaking eight-month-old Matthew Eappen to death – is believed to have given birth on New Year’s Day.

National newspapers report pals as saying the 35-year-old and her husband Antony Elkes, 32, are “thrilled”.

They have named their daughter Holly.

Friends, family and neighbours in Louise’s home village of Elton never believed she was responsible for the death of baby Matthew Eappen while working as a 19-year-old au pair in Boston, USA.

Louise was initially sentenced to life after being convicted of second degree murder in what was described as a ‘baby shaking’ case but was released after serving 279 days on remand when her conviction was reduced to involuntary manslaughter.

Louise always insisted she had only shaken Matthew lightly to revive him after he fell ill.

Sandra McCabe, an original member of the Louise Woodward Campaign Group, whose campaign to free Louise made headlines on both sides of the Atlantic, said of the baby news: “I’m thrilled for her. She’s a great girl. I’m made up."

Sandra, from Elton, added: “Everybody has moved on but I’m glad she has found happiness.”

Louise, who is now living in a quiet Shropshire village on the outskirts of Bridgnorth and teaches salsa dancing, has spoken previously of being haunted by her past.

She said: “I know there are some people out there just waiting for me to have a baby so they can say nasty things. That upsets me, but that is not going to stop me leading my life. I am innocent, I have done nothing wrong. I am entitled to enjoy my life. I am not going to apologise for being happy.”