Teen mother weeps in dock as she admits killing her 20-month-old daughter who starved to death after she left her at home alone for six days while celebrating her 18th birthday
- Verphy Kudi’s daughter Asiah Kudi died at home in Brighton in December 2019
- Mother seen on CCTV leaving house on her birthday and returning six days later
- Today, Kudi spoke only confirm her name and enter guilty plea for manslaughter
A teenage mother wept in the dock today as she admitted killing her 20-month-old daughter who starved to death while she went on a six-day bender to celebrate her 18th birthday.
Verphy Kudi’s daughter Asiah Kudi died at an address in Brighton in December 2019 after being left alone for six days with no food or water.
The mother, now 19, was seen on CCTV leaving the home on her birthday before attending parties in London, Coventry and Solihull.
A post-mortem examination and forensic tests found that Asiah starved, was dehydrated and developed flu. Her cause of death was given as neglect.
Today, Kudi appeared in court to enter a guilty plea to manslaughter.
Verphy Kudi’s daughter Asiah Kudi died at an address in the East Sussex city in December 2019 after being left alone for six days with no food or water
A post-mortem examination and forensic tests found that Asiah starved, was dehydrated and developed flu. Her cause of death was given as neglect
After returning home from the party spree, Kudi called 999 saying her baby would not wake up.
Asiah was taken to Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton but was declared dead on arrival.
Today, Kudi held her hands to her face after the charge of manslaughter was read to her. She spoke only to answer guilty to the charge and confirm her name.
Wearing a plain black top and black trousers with a blue face-mask, she wiped a tear from eyes as her father looked on from the public gallery.
Mr Kudi – Verphy Kudi’s father – sat with his arms crossed throughout the short hearing at Lewes Crown Court.
His daughter waved at him from the dock when court staff pointed him out.
Speaking after today’s hearing, Muba Kudi, 59, said: ‘My heart is so broken. My daughter was missing. She had been missing since the age of 14.’
Asiah was born on March 22, 2018 and was only 20 months old when she died. It is not clear who the baby’s father was.
She had been living at the flat in Brighton with her mother where they had been housed by social services since September 30, 2019.
The baby was under a child protection plan but there was no social worker assigned when she died.
On December 11 at 1806, Kudi dialled 999 telling a call handler her baby would not wake up.
A few days later, staff at the Brighton mother and baby unit for teen mothers where they had been living contacted police after reviewing CCTV footage.
Cameras showed Kudi leaving the building on December 5 at 1739.
She did not return until December 11.
Today, Kudi spoke only confirm her name and enter the guilty plea. She is seen in a photo posted on social media
Data gathered by Sussex Police showed Kudi had been at parties in London, Coventry and Solihull before returning to Brighton.
Kudi admitted the manslaughter of her daughter between December 4 and 12.
Asiah was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton on Wednesday December 11.
Judge Christine Laing QC told Kudi: ‘You have heard that before I get to sentence you the defence want to get a report on your behalf and a doctor will no doubt make arrangements to see you and interview you over the next few weeks.’
She ordered that all social services records relating to the case be disclosed to the defence ahead of sentencing.
The case was adjourned to a provisional sentencing date of May 28, but Kudi was warned this may be delayed.
Asiah was pronounced dead on arrival at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton on Wednesday December 11