Mum, 16, cleared of baby son's death after leaving him outside in freezing cold

07 December 2023 , 12:17

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The young mother saw charges against her dropped at the Old Bailey (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

A teenage mother who was accused of causing the death of her new-born baby by leaving him outside last winter has been cleared of infanticide.

The unnamed 16-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey today (December 7) after police were called in the early hours of January 30 last year when a baby was discovered in New Eltham, southeast London. The boy was pronounced dead by London Ambulance Service.

But the prosecution has dropped its charge over the case and prosecutor Julian Evans, KC, said the Crown had decided to offer no evidence against her. He told the court: “The prosecution have as part of its duty kept the case under careful and ongoing review and in particular that has focused on the question of the public interest. As part of that process and of that ongoing review the prosecution sought further information from the safeguarding team at the London Borough of Greenwich.

“That team has been involved in providing expert care and assistance to the teen and their involvement and care date back some time and is ongoing. That included a report from a clinical psychologist, her family and general circumstances and wider matters. Given this is a charge that is not often before these courts, the prosecution certainly concluded it was important that the question of review was ongoing and further information was sought.”

Mr Evans explained the teenager had shown “positive and willing engagement” and was already receiving support similar to what she would receive under a youth rehabilitation order after conviction.

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Defence barrister Stephen Nelson said: “The family are actively engaging and will continue to engage with all the support offered to them. The court can be assured there will be an ongoing level of engagement into adulthood.”

Judge Richard Marks, KC, the Common Serjeant of London, directed a not guilty verdict be entered against the girl and told the girl's aunt, who had been supporting her throughout the case: “Thank you for the support you have given. This has been a very difficult and stressful chapter in her life and that of her family but hopefully things are back on track and with your support and others she will be able to turn a corner and put this matter behind her. I wish her and all of you well.”

Jake Loader