Mother Sentenced to Over Seven Years for Severely Neglecting Daughter Hidden in Drawer
In a case described as “wicked beyond belief,” a mother in Cheshire has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison after her three-year-old daughter was found malnourished, severely neglected, and confined to a drawer beneath her bed since birth.
Discovery of the Hidden Child
The horrifying situation came to light in February 2023 when the woman’s partner accidentally discovered the child while using the bathroom. Hearing sounds resembling a baby, he uncovered the girl, who was dehydrated, with matted hair, and called authorities.
The child, born in March 2020, had been hidden her entire life, never seeing daylight or interacting with another human. A social worker who arrived at the scene described the child rocking back and forth in the drawer, a harrowing image of prolonged neglect.
Severe Developmental Impacts
Medical examinations revealed the child was developmentally stunted, equivalent to a 10-month-old. She could not walk, talk, or crawl, and suffered from poor muscle tone and swollen feet. Born with a cleft palate, she received sporadic feeding through a syringe.
The mother, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, admitted to hiding the child to conceal her existence from the abusive father.
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A Life of Isolation and Neglect
The court heard that the child was often left alone in the drawer, even on occasions like Christmas Eve. She had no access to love, care, or medical attention and was deprived of basic human experiences, such as receiving a birthday or Christmas present.
Rachel Worthington of CPS Mersey-Cheshire highlighted the extent of the neglect, noting the child didn’t even respond to her name when first found.
Recovery and Hope
Now in foster care, the girl has begun to experience life for the first time, including learning to walk and celebrating her first Christmas. Her foster carer shared the bittersweet process of helping her recover, describing moments of joy and heartbreak.
Sentencing and Condemnation
Judge Steven Everett, Recorder of Chester, condemned the mother’s actions, describing the confinement as “possibly a living death.” He emphasised the catastrophic impact of her neglect and failure to provide basic care or affection for her daughter.
The sentence serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable children.
