A teenage mother who left a 20-month-old baby to starve to death while she went out to party with a friend has been jailed.
The teen mom, Verphy Kudi, now 19, left her daughter Asiah at the supported housing block that they lived in Brighton, England, for almost a week while she partied in London and the West Midlands.
The baby girl died at home, and tests results showed she was starved, dehydrated, and had developed flu. Judge Christine Laing called the final days of her life “unbearable to contemplate” as she sentenced Kudi to nine years at Lewes Crown Court on Friday.
Judge Laing stated during sentencing, “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.”
Laing continued, “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.”
“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.”
Sussex Police released a statement from Verphy’s family:
“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.”
