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Aunt Found Guilty of Manslaughter After Losing Temper and Shaking Niece to Death While Baby Sitting

Aunt Found Guilty of Manslaughter After Losing Temper and Shaking Niece to Death While Baby Sitting

A Chinese woman has been found guilty of killing her seven-month-old niece after she lost her temper and shook the baby while looking after her for her parents. Chuanfang Zheng, 31, was watching little Phoebe Guo while her parents worked at the family’s Chinese takeaway business.

MailOnline reports that the incident took place in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. It was discovered that the deceased child was left under the care of her aunt, who is also a mother so that her parents could go and work. Zheng told the court that Phoebe refused to eat and wouldn’t stop crying, she flipped and shook the baby who then fell unconscious almost immediately.

Prosecutor Adrian Langdale, told the court that Zheng, ran two doors down from her flat to the family’s work place while carrying the  unconscious child. Attempts were made to get the emergency health care services, but language was a barrier. She was rushed by car to hospital and over the next few days there were extensive medical efforts to save her young life.

‘Whilst in the care of this defendant her young niece suffered catastrophic injuries including substantial traumatic brain injury and very extensive bleeding of the eyes described by an expert as very much at the severe end of the range.’ He said

The jury also learnt that Zheng, initially lied to cover up her actions after realizing the seriousness of what she had done. She told the police the baby became unwell and lost consciousness after choking on food. She however showed no emotion when the jury unanimously found her guilty of manslaughter. She was placed under detention, pending her sentencing. Judge Dean who oversaw the case told reporters that it was a very distressing case.

“It’s the sort of case in which no judge would sentence immediately after the verdict. It’s important to have time for reflection. It’s also important that those who are called victims have the opportunity to express their feelings about what has happened and that information isn’t available.” He said

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An NSPCC spokesperson (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) had this to say to reporters after the verdict:

‘This was an horrific attack on a defenseless child by someone trusted to look after her. There is no excuse for a carer to inflict such appalling injuries no matter what pressure they might be experiencing. Just a moment’s loss of control can result in a tragedy like this.

Photo credit: Mail Online

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