A teen mum who left her daughter to starve to death as she celebrated her 18th birthday has been jailed for nine years.
Verphy Kudi abandoned 20-month-old Asiah at her flat in Brighton for almost six days while she partied in London and Coventry.
Asiah tragically died from influenza and starvation after being left unattended at the flat, prosecutors said.
Kudi, now 19, was ‘incoherent, distressed and distraught’ when she returned to her flat and called paramedics – who found her daughter lying on the floor on December 11, 2019.
She pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court today.
Sentencing Kudi, Judge Christine Laing QC said: ‘Asiah was alone in that flat for six days – less two hours – unable to do anything to draw attention to her plight.
‘She was a helpless child and relied completely on you as her mother to provide for her needs.
‘It is almost unbearable to contemplate her suffering in the final days of her life, suffering that she endured so that you could celebrate your birthday and the birthdays of your friends as a carefree teenager.’
Judge Laing added: ‘It goes without saying that this is a particularly tragic case and it no doubt raises strong emotions in all who hear of it, but everyone should bear in mind that the charge I sentence you for is one of manslaughter, it being accepted that you did not intend to cause Asiah death nor to cause her really serious harm.’
In a statement released by Sussex Police, Asiah and Verphy’s family said: ‘We are saddened by the current situation and as a family we have many unanswered questions.
‘Verphy has experienced so much at such a young age and we have always done what we can to support her.
‘As a family we are in the midst of an unbearable tragedy. Not only are we coming to terms with what has happened today but we are also still grieving for our beloved Asiah.
‘We would be grateful if our privacy can be respected at this moment.’
Defending Kudi, Peter Wilcock QC described the case as ‘truly tragic and devastating.’
Unity News Network (UNN) Staff Writer | To find out more details about our staff, please head to the About Us section on our website.
