Parents charged with killing 16-year-old daughter by allowing her to become morbidly obese

22 March 2022, 18:02

Parents charged with killing morbidly obese teen daughter
Parents charged with killing morbidly obese teen daughter. Picture: Alamy

By Megan Hinton

The parents of a disabled teenage girl have appeared in court after being charged with causing her death by allowing her to become morbidly obese.

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Kaylea Titford, 16, was found dead at her home in Newtown, Powys, Wales, in October 2020.

Her father Alun Titford, 44, and mother Sarah Lloyd-Jones, 39, of Colwyn, Newtown, are charged with gross negligence manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person.

It is alleged that, between March 24 and October 11 2020, they failed to ensure Ms Titford's dietary needs were met, leading to morbid obesity.

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Nor did they ensure she got enough exercise, was in a hygienic condition, had a safe and hygienic environment, her physical health was maintained, or that reasonable medical help was sought, the charge claims.

The pair appeared before Welshpool Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and stood together in the dock wearing face masks.

They spoke only to confirm their names, ages and address but did not enter any pleas.

Prosecutor Helen Tench asked both defendants to remain on conditional bail and not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18.

They will next appear before Mold Crown Court on April 14 2022.

At an earlier inquest a medical cause of death was given as "inflammation and infection in extensive areas of ulceration arising from obesity and it's complications in a girl with spina bifida and hydrocephalus".