A 20-month-old baby girl named Asiah Kudi was tragically found dead in her cot after being left alone for six days while her mother, Verphy Kudi, went partying hundreds of miles away. The case shocked the nation and left Asiah's family in mourning.
Verphy Kudi, who was a teenager at the time, abandoned Asiah on December 5, 2019, to celebrate her 18th birthday. Chilling CCTV footage captured Kudi leaving their accommodation, dressed in casual clothes and carrying a black bag. She spent the next several days partying in London and Coventry, returning home to Brighton on December 11 to find Asiah's lifeless body.
A post-mortem examination determined that Asiah's death was caused by neglect, a combination of starvation, dehydration, and the flu. The court heard that this wasn't the first time Kudi had left Asiah alone, with Asiah being abandoned at least a dozen times before.
At sentencing, Judge Christine Laing QC said that Asiah had likely learned not to cry for help, as her cries had often gone unanswered. Kudi initially lied about her whereabouts, claiming her mother was looking after Asiah while she attended parties. However, she changed her story when confronted with CCTV footage.
The tragedy has raised concerns about the safeguarding of children in supported housing units. Social workers were worried about Asiah's care in the weeks leading up to her death, but a referral to child safeguarding services was never made. A safeguarding review found that Asiah's death could not have been predicted, but recommended bringing in a system of daily checks and regular reviews for young parents in supported accommodation.
10 Comments
Michelangelo
“While the story is deeply upsetting, the detailed account forces us to ask how we can better support young parents and ensure children's safety.”
Leonardo
“Every detail matters when it comes to protecting a child. This report is critical in driving home the need for accountability.”
Donatello
“It’s beyond comprehension that a mother would leave her baby alone for six whole days—this act of neglect is unforgivable.”
Raphael
“I’m grateful for this coverage as it calls attention to how we must reform social services to prevent such avoidable tragedies.”
Leonardo
“This article is a wake‐up call. We need stronger measures and regular checks to protect children in supported housing.”
Comandante
“How can someone be so irresponsible? Partying is not an excuse for abandoning a helpless child!”
Habibi
“This isn’t just about one case—it’s about ensuring that no child is left to suffer due to systemic negligence. Thanks for highlighting it.”
Muchacho
“It’s appalling to see a mother put her own desires ahead of a vulnerable child. We must demand accountability and change.”
ArtemK
“My heart breaks for Asiah. It’s important to recognize how systemic failures can lead to such tragic outcomes.”
Pupsik
“I’m absolutely disgusted. Verphy’s behavior isn’t just irresponsible—it borders on criminal neglect.”