A CHILDREN’S charity says the case of a teenage mother whose baby died after she left her home alone for six days showed a “catastrophic lack of protection”.

Verphy Kudi was sentenced to nine years in jail after walking out on her 20-month-old daughter on the day she turned 18, partying for five days, 21 hours and 58 minutes, while the baby starved to death.

Her daughter Asiah was dead when she returned to her Brighton flat, where she had been housed by social services.

Asiah had contracted influenza. A post mortem examination concluded she died from neglect.

Kudi, 19, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in March and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, August 6.

The Argus: Verphy Kudi was sentenced to nine years imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, August 6 Verphy Kudi was sentenced to nine years imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, August 6

Sentencing Kudi, Judge Christine Laing QC said: “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.”

The Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership (BHSCP) is carrying out a Child Safeguarding Practice Review (CSPR) of this case, which they aim to publish later this year.

A National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) spokeswoman said they hope the review sheds further light on the circumstances surrounding the “tragedy”.

“This is a heart-breaking case in which a very young child has lost her life due to a catastrophic lack of protection and support from her mother,” she said.

“The protection and welfare of a child is everyone’s responsibility, so it is absolutely vital that anyone concerned about a child’s welfare speaks out.”

NSPCC encouraged anyone with concerns to contact their confidential helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

“If a child is in immediate danger, please call 999,” the spokeswoman added.