Baby dies in Maó toilet: mother avoids prison

A mother avoids prison after her newborn daughter dies in a toilet in Maó, Menorca: a court sentences her on Thursday to one year and ten months for negligent homicide. The baby died on 10 September 2024. The mother will not go to prison if she commits no offence in the next three years.

The baby was born alive

The woman said severe stomach pains began at about 05.00. Five hours later, she gave birth in the toilet. The baby was alive at birth but died from lack of oxygen after her head was submerged in the water and she inhaled it. Membranes covering the newborn also blocked her mouth and nose. The mother, who was in shock after the birth, flushed the toilet.

Neither the woman nor her partner had known she was pregnant. Her partner went to a pharmacy and called the emergency services several times, but did not tell them she was giving birth.

A deal avoids a jury trial

The Provincial Court announced the sentence after the defence reached an agreement with the prosecution, so a jury trial was no longer needed. Prosecutors had initially sought eight years in prison for murder.

The court treated the mother's relationship to the baby as an aggravating factor. It also took account of her shock as a mitigating factor.

Topics: Court cases · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com