VERPHY KUDI FROM BRIGHTON SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR LEAVING TODDLER ASIAH TO STARVE IN BRIGHTON
In August 2021, a tragic case unfolded involving Verphy Kudi, a young mother from Brighton, who was convicted of leaving her 20-month-old daughter, Asiah Kudi, alone in their flat for several days, resulting in the child's death due to starvation and influenza.The court proceedings revealed harrowing details about the circumstances leading to this heartbreaking outcome.
According to court testimonies, Verphy Kudi, then aged 19, had been absent from her Brighton residence for an extended period during which her daughter was left unattended.
The trial uncovered that Kudi had attended a concert in Elephant and Castle, London, shortly after she left her daughter alone.
During this time, a DJ at the event even announced her birthday, highlighting her carefree attitude amidst the ongoing tragedy.
Prosecutors detailed how Kudi was away from her flat in Brighton for nearly six days, from December 5 to December 11, 2019, with CCTV footage confirming her absence for 21 hours and 58 minutes beyond that period.
While she was away, the court heard that Asiah was suffering in her flat, with her condition deteriorating due to lack of nourishment and the effects of influenza.
On December 11, after Kudi returned to Brighton, emergency services were called to her residence at approximately 6:12 pm.
Paramedics found the toddler in a critical state and rushed her to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, but tragically, Asiah was declared dead upon arrival.
Witnesses described Kudi as “incoherent, distressed, and distraught” when paramedics arrived, indicating her emotional turmoil at the scene.
During the sentencing hearing at Lewes Crown Court, Prosecutor Sally Howes QC provided a detailed account of the final days of Asiah’s life.
She emphasized that CCTV footage showed Kudi leaving her flat on December 5 and not returning until December 11, effectively leaving her daughter alone for nearly a week.
The court heard that Kudi had traveled to London to celebrate her birthday with her boyfriend and attended a concert in Elephant and Castle on December 7.
She then went to a birthday party in Coventry on December 9 before returning to London on December 10, and finally heading back to East Sussex on December 11.
Judge Christine Laing QC addressed the court, stating, “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.
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.” While acknowledging the tragic nature of the case, Judge Laing clarified that Kudi was being sentenced for manslaughter, not a more severe charge, as it was accepted that she did not intend to cause her daughter’s death or serious harm.
The court found that her actions were negligent rather than malicious.
Following her sentencing, Verphy Kudi was led away from the courtroom in silence, her fate sealed with a nine-year prison term.
The Sussex Police released a statement from Kudi’s family, expressing their heartbreak and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
The statement read, “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.”
