HYTHE WOMAN JAILED AFTER ABANDONING HER NEWBORN TO DEATH
Silipa Keresi, a 38-year-old woman, was found guilty of murdering her newborn son, Maliki Keresi, whose body was discovered in a dense wooded area near Shore Road in Hythe during March 2020.The court learned that Keresi, originally from Fiji, had considered having an abortion but was beyond the legal limit when she asked for advice in November 2019.
She subsequently did not contact medical or social services, and her pregnancy was kept hidden from her husband, Dharma Keresi, a former soldier in the British Army.
On the night of 3 March 2020, Keresi left her family’s hotel, gave birth in secrecy, and took her newborn into the woods, leaving him at the foot of a tree.
The recovered remains were wrapped in a bloodstained bath towel, and a post-mortem examination concluded the baby died from severe hypothermia within 24 hours of birth, indicating abandonment.
The court acknowledged her extreme stress and depression but noted her failure to seek assistance, which contributed to her actions.
She was sentenced to serve at least nine years in prison.
Evidence presented included CCTV footage showing her leaving the hotel early on 4 March.
Justice Garnham described her decision to abandon her baby as 'truly dreadful' and highlighted her vulnerable state and the exceptional circumstances.
Authorities emphasized that expecting mothers experiencing difficulties should seek help, stating that support services are always available, and described the case as deeply heartbreaking.
