Woman in Wales admits manslaughter by letting daughter become obese

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A woman has admitted the manslaughter of her 16-year-old daughter by allowing her to become obese.

Kaylea Titford, who allegedly died from health problems linked to her obesity, was found dead in bed at the family home in Newtown, mid Wales.

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

Appearing before a judge at Mold crown court, in north Wales, Lloyd-Jones admitted Kaylea’s manslaughter. Titford has denied the charge.

Lloyd-Jones admitted breaching the duty of care for her disabled daughter, accepting it was “reasonably foreseeable” that her actions would give rise to a serious and obvious risk of death.

Judge Rowlands told Lloyd-Jones that “all sentencing options” were open but she would be given credit for her guilty plea. She will be sentenced next year after the end of Kaylea’s father’s trial.

Titford denies charges of gross negligence manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of his teenage daughter. He will face a two-week trial at Mold before Judge Jefford from 17 January.

It is alleged that between March and October 2020, he failed to ensure Kaylea’s dietary needs were met, leading to morbid obesity. He is further accused of failing to ensure she got enough exercise, was in a hygienic condition and had a safe and clean living environment.

An inquest has heard Kaylea had “multiple medical issues” through her life, including spina bifida, and was immobile.

She was pronounced dead by paramedics at 8.12am on 10 October 2020, at her home in Newtown.

The coroner, Graeme Hughes, has adjourned the inquest in Pontypridd, south Wales, until the conclusion of the criminal case.