SOUTHPORT MUM WHO ABANDONED NEWBORN SPARED JAIL
A woman identified as Nicola Glover, aged 30, was involved in the abandonment of her newborn baby girl in a disabled toilet at an amusement arcade in Southport.The incident occurred on April 16 when she unexpectedly gave birth while on a family day out.
The baby, later named April by medical staff at Ormskirk Hospital, was found on the floor of a toilet by arcade staff at around 7 pm.
Judge Alan Conrad, QC, sentenced Glover to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months, after she pleaded guilty to child cruelty.
Initially charged with attempted murder, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to pursue that charge.
The court heard that Glover had hidden her pregnancy from her family but gave birth suddenly and unexpectedly during a visit to Silcock’s arcade.
It was said she believed the baby would be found relatively quickly in a public toilet.
A court report indicated she became overwhelmed with mental health issues, including auditory hallucinations, at the time of birth.
A psychiatrist’s report explained that without her mental condition, she might not have committed the offence.
The judge acknowledged that Glover did not intend to kill her baby but emphasized the severity of her actions, pointing out that she exposed the infant to the greatest risk.
The quick response of members of the public helped save the baby’s life.
Glover was remorseful, and her representative stated she was overcome with shock and panic upon realizing she was in labor.
She later came forward after her mother became suspicious following a media appeal with CCTV footage.
As a result of the incident, the baby and two of Glover’s other children were taken into care.
Glover claimed she found out about her pregnancy around Christmas after taking a test and had no symptoms, relating her condition to a spontaneous birth similar to that of her other daughter.
The court described her actions as a momentary lapse by an otherwise loving mother, with Glover’s mental health issues being a significant factor in the case.
