CROYDON COUPLE HANDED COMMUNITY ORDERS AFTER BABY’S TRAGIC DEATH FROM NEGLECT
A couple from Croydon, Jerri Elizabeth Balzanelli, aged 38, and Christopher Green, aged 47, were sentenced for child neglect after their two-month-old baby girl, Stevie-Anne, tragically died following a night of drug and alcohol consumption.The court heard that the couple had spent the previous evening drinking and taking recreational drugs, while their children, including Stevie-Anne, were asleep at their flat in April 2022.
On the following morning, Stevie-Anne was fed but was later found dead in her bed next to her mother, with signs of struggle and a blue appearance to her skin.
Police found a half-consumed bottle of prosecco, a baby's milk bottle, and a strong smell of cannabis in the room.
During the trial, it was revealed that Stevie-Anne's blood contained traces of cocaine and cannabis, indicating exposure to harmful substances.
Both Balzanelli and Green admitted to child neglect and were found responsible for exposing their daughter to an unsafe sleeping environment.
Mr Justice Bryan sentenced them to 18 months of community orders, with Balzanelli ordered to attend mental health treatment, rehabilitation, and 100 hours of community service, while Green was ordered into alcohol treatment and 80 hours of community service.
The court clarified that they were not convicted of causing their child's death, which was deemed 'unexplained' by experts.
The judge emphasized that their actions, particularly their consumption of alcohol and cocaine, were a very serious lapse of judgment, especially regarding co-sleeping while intoxicated, which increased the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death.
Balzanelli expressed remorse, suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, and wished she could undo her actions.
Green also showed remorse, acknowledging that guilt would stay with him forever.
The court noted that both had responsibility for Stevie-Anne during their intoxication and warned that their behavior exposed her to dangerous conditions.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and substance abuse in parenting, emphasizing the need for safeguards to protect vulnerable children.
