In 2020, the Offender Database recorded that 18-year-old Verphy Kudi—then of no fixed address—was charged with the manslaughter of her 20-month-old daughter, Asiah. The investigation established that Kudi abandoned her child in their flat in Islingword Road, Brighton, East Sussex, for six days to celebrate her 18th birthday. The prosecution reported that CCTV footage captured Kudi leaving the premises on 5 December 2019 and not returning until 11 December, during which time Asiah was left entirely alone.
The investigation established that upon Kudi’s return, the infant was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, where she was tragically pronounced dead on arrival. The prosecution reported that a post-mortem and subsequent forensic testing confirmed that Asiah died from profound neglect. During her initial court appearance via videolink, Kudi was observed crying and wrapping herself in a blanket as the “vile” details of the abandonment were read aloud.
Judicial Findings and Remand
The court reported that the nature and seriousness of the offence necessitated Kudi being remanded in custody. The investigation established that no plea was entered during the preliminary hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court. The prosecution reported that the case, led by detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, was subsequently moved to Lewes Crown Court for further proceedings.
Judge-led proceedings eventually concluded with Kudi pleading guilty to manslaughter. For her actions in Brighton and the nature of the fatal neglect reported, she was sentenced in 2021 to nine years in prison. The judge described the case as “stomach-churning,” noting that Kudi had prioritised her own birthday celebrations over the basic life-sustaining needs of her defenceless daughter, leading to a “heinous” and preventable death.
Status and Statutory Requirements
Based on the judicial records from 2020 and subsequent sentencing:
- Custodial Status: SERVING (Sentenced to 9 years in 2021; currently incarcerated or on licence).
- Offence Category: Manslaughter (Gross Negligence).
- DBS Status: Placed on the Barring List (Indefinite ban on working with children or vulnerable adults; permanently barred from all regulated activity).
- Legal Status: CONVICTED (Manslaughter).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Lewes Crown Court; investigated by Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.
- Criminal Record: Abandoned a 20-month-old baby for six days to go partying; Caused the death of her daughter through total neglect; CCTV proved the duration of the abandonment; Remanded in custody in 2020 due to the “vile” nature of the crime.
- Origin: Islingword Road, Brighton, East Sussex.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Kudi is managed under the statutory requirements of the Probation Service following the custodial element of her sentence. Due to the nature of her conduct—specifically the “sinister” decision to leave an infant alone for nearly a week—she is a priority for post-release supervision. Authorities reported that the 2020 conviction ensures Kudi is subject to strict licence conditions to manage her residency and prevent her from having unsupervised access to children.
The details of Asiah’s death are permanently logged on the national police database as a case of extreme child neglect. Authorities state that Kudi’s history identifies an individual who prioritised her own “wicked” social interests over the human rights and safety of her child. Any failure by Kudi to adhere to her licence conditions in Brighton or elsewhere will result in immediate police intervention to ensure the ongoing safety of the public from a woman who has violated the principles of human decency.
QUESTION – Given that the offender was only 18 and an “Inexperienced Mother” at the time, do you believe that “Mandatory Social Services Check-ins” should be legally required for all teenage parents living in independent accommodation?
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.