MOTHER WITH TRAUMATIC PAST SENTENCED FOR INFANT INFANTICIDE IN LIVERPOOL
A young mother with a traumatic past caused the death of her baby in circumstances described as 'profoundly tragic'.Gloria Mayele, who moved to the UK from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2015 seeking asylum, approached staff at a hostel with her two-month-old son, Hendjie Kadima, 'limp and floppy' in her arms.
The incident occurred after she had struggled with her own health, had been moved into unsuitable asylum accommodation, and faced mental health challenges including PTSD and depression.
According to the court, Mayele, now aged 34, initially denied the assault, likely to avoid a breakdown, but was ultimately convicted of infanticide after a three-week trial, despite being acquitted of manslaughter.
The court heard about the horrific injuries Hendjie sustained—an internal bleed on the brain and injuries consistent with severe trauma—and that he died two months later in July 2017.
The judge described the case as a 'profoundly tragic' one, noting that Mayele's actions were influenced by her mental health and trauma, and that she cared for Hendjie despite her difficulties.
She received a community order for two years and was ordered to undertake a 15-day rehabilitation activity, with the judge highlighting her remorse and the overwhelming mitigation during her sentencing.
