MOTHER SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR MANSLAUGHTER OF SIX-WEEK-OLD BABY IN SOUTHAMPTON
A woman named Chelsea Cuthbertson received a nine-year prison sentence after being convicted of manslaughter in connection with the death of her six-week-old son, Malakai Watts.The tragedy unfolded following a quarrel with her partner, Del Watts.
During the aftermath of their dispute, Ms.
Cuthbertson shook and squeezed her infant, causing critical injuries.
Malakai was subsequently admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Southampton General Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma on February 2, 2019.
He sustained a severe head injury, attributed to shaking, along with eight fractured ribs, with one fracture occurring before the others.
The injuries were fatal enough that medical staff decided to withdraw life support on February 6.
Her conviction came after a trial at Winchester Crown Court, although she was found not guilty of murder.
The judge remarked that only she knew what truly transpired but noted that her ongoing cannabis use and relationship stress likely influenced her behavior.
Prosecutors presented forensic evidence confirming her responsibility for the injuries inflicted on Malakai.
Del Watts, the child's father, expressed intense grief, explaining he lost his home, family, and employment, and was deprived of any remorse or explanation from Ms.
Cuthbertson.
He mourned the loss of his son's all-too-brief life and the everyday moments he will forever miss.
The story was reported by Ella Glover, with additional contributions from Press Association.
