Mother Sentenced to Prison for Keeping Baby Hidden in Drawer for Three Years

The British woman pleaded guilty to child cruelty charges after her daughter was found malnourished and severely underdeveloped in 2023.

The mother, whose identity remains protected, was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison after keeping her daughter hidden in a drawer under her bed from birth until nearly age three.
The child, born in March 2020 with a cleft palate, was severely malnourished, dehydrated, and developmentally delayed when discovered in February 2023.
The mother reportedly fed the child milk-soaked cereal through a syringe and left her alone for hours, concealing her existence from family and friends.
The toddler, who had no exposure to daylight or fresh air, was found unable to walk, talk, or respond to her name and exhibited self-soothing behaviors like rocking.
Authorities said the child has undergone two surgeries for her cleft palate, is making progress in care, and will likely require further medical intervention.