A Malaysian university student, Teo Jia Xin, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of her newborn child, a court in the UK ruled on Friday, 25 October 2024. This follows her conviction for placing the baby in a cereal box shortly after giving birth on 4 March 2024.
Details of the Case
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the infant, who was alive after birth, was hidden in a cereal box and sealed in a plastic bag within a suitcase. Teo’s actions led to the baby’s death, a fact acknowledged by the jury during the trial.
Concealment and Discovery
- Teo, 22, arrived in the UK knowing she was pregnant but chose to conceal her condition from others.
- She visited a hospital showing signs of having given birth but denied that she had delivered a baby.
- The police discovered the body of the newborn two days later, leading to further investigation.
The Defence Argument
Throughout the trial, Teo claimed she had been influenced by voices instructing her to dispose of the child. This defence was ultimately dismissed by the jury, who found her guilty of murder. James Leslie Francis from CPS stated, “Teo made a conscious decision, knowing that this action would result in the baby’s death.” Teo will serve a minimum of 17 years before eligibility for parole.
Public Reaction
The case has garnered significant media attention, igniting discussions around mental health, support for pregnant women, and the responsibilities of young individuals seeking education abroad.