October 28th 2024.
Jia Xen Teo, a 22-year-old woman from Malaysia, had kept her pregnancy a secret from everyone, including the father of her child. She was worried that the baby would affect her studies at university, so she decided to hide her pregnancy until she gave birth.
On March 4, Teo gave birth to a baby girl in Coventry. But instead of seeking help or telling anyone, she put the baby's body in a cereal box and hid it in her suitcase. Two days later, the police discovered the crime after being called to Teo's residence due to her suspicious behavior at the hospital.
During the trial at Warwick Crown Court, it was revealed that Teo had planned to kill the baby after giving birth in private. She had even denied giving birth when asked by the hospital staff. Teo later admitted to giving birth and said she was scared that her family and friends back home would find out and it would affect her studies. She also claimed to have heard voices telling her to dispose of the child.
The judge, Mrs Justice Tipples, sentenced Teo to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years. She stated that Teo had intentionally planned to kill the baby and had kept her pregnancy a secret to ensure that no one would ever know about the child. The judge also mentioned that the baby was alive for four hours before being killed.
After the verdict, James Leslie Francis from the Crown Prosecution Service said that Teo had hidden her pregnancy from everyone and refused to seek help or tell anyone about the baby. He also mentioned that the baby could have survived but Teo made the decision to place her in the cereal box, which ultimately led to her death.
For those who are expecting or have recently given birth and need extra support, there are various options available. Your GP or health visitors can provide physical and mental support, and there are also perinatal services and support groups that can offer help. The National Childbirth Trust, Birth Companions, Home-StartUK, and the NHS all offer support for new and expectant mothers.
Midwives can also provide information about local support services, including health visitors and parenting groups. It is important to seek help and support during this time, and there are many resources available for those who need it. The jury made the right decision in convicting Teo for her actions, and we thank them for their careful consideration in this complex and sensitive case.
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