A mother in Britain has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for keeping her baby daughter hidden in a drawer under her bed for nearly three years. The woman, whose identity is protected by law, was convicted at Chester Crown Court in northwest England. The judge described the child's ordeal as a 'living death' caused by her mother's actions.
The toddler, who was discovered just weeks before her third birthday, was found in a distressed state with matted hair, rashes, and untreated deformities at their home in Cheshire. The court heard that the woman, who pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty, concealed the child from her partner and other children.
The judge expressed disbelief at the mother's actions, stating that she deprived the child of love, affection, proper care, and medical attention. The child, now in foster care, is said to be slowly recovering from the traumatic experience she endured.
Prosecutors revealed that the child was severely malnourished and dehydrated when taken to the hospital, having been fed only milky cereal through a syringe. She was kept isolated in a drawer in the bedroom, with no social interaction or exposure to the outside world, resulting in a developmental age far below her actual years.
The child was left alone for extended periods while the mother went to work, took her other children to school, and even during family visits. The woman's partner accidentally discovered the child when he heard noises coming from a bedroom and alerted authorities.
During police interviews, the mother claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy and felt scared during childbirth. She described the child as not being part of the family and showed little emotion when confronted about her actions.
The defense attorney cited the woman's mental health issues, a tumultuous relationship with the child's abusive father, and the Covid lockdown as contributing factors to the situation. The other children, who were well cared for, no longer reside with their mother.
