A detective has said an investigation into a teen mum who left her baby alone for six days was "distressing" and has caused "great sorrow" for her family.

Verphy Kudi's 20-month-old daughter Asiah died in Brighton in December 2019.

Little Asiah had contracted influenza. 

A postmortem exam and further forensic tests found the infant had died as a result of neglect.

Kudi, now 19, pleaded guilty to causing the death of her baby daughter at Lewes Crown Court this morning.

Verphy Kudi.

Verphy Kudi has pleaded guilty to causing the death of her baby

The prosecution, authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, followed an investigation by detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.

The investigation showed that Kudi left her Islingword Road flat in Brighton on December 5 before attending parties in London, Coventry and Solihull in a six-day spell of revelry.

All the while, Asiah remained at her flat.

Kudi did not return home until December 11 when she called 999 after finding her baby unresponsive.

Asiah was taken by ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, but was tragically pronounced dead soon after arriving at the site.

Following her appearance in court today, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme said: "This was a particularly distressing case for my team and me to investigate, and has caused great sorrow among Verphy's family and the many agencies that have supported Verphy and Asiah.

Verphy Kudi outside Brighton Magistrates Court in November 2020

Verphy Kudi outside Brighton Magistrates' Court in November 2020

"We note the guilty plea entered in this case, and continue to prepare for Verphy’s sentencing in May."

Her guilty plea was accepted by the prosecution and by Judge Christine Laing, who adjourned the case for reports prior to sentencing on May 28.

Kudi remains in custody.