Landmark case finds parents guilty of causing the death of their daughter from obesity and lack of physical activity

The parents of Kaylea Titford, a disabled 16-year-old girl, have been found guilty of her death by allowing her to become fatally obese.

The prosecution, for manslaughter by gross negligence, is thought to be the first in the UK where parents have been found criminally liable for not controlling their children’s diet and exercise regime.

Both parents are expected to received custodial sentence.

Before the COVID-19 lockdowns, Kaylea has reportedly taking part in sport at school and at one stage had tryouts for Paralympic basketball, but this had not progressed, partly due to her weight-gain.

The court in Mold, Wales, was told her parents had managed her weight ‘quite well’ between the ages of eight and 12, but that it had deteriorated after that time. She gained several stone during the lockdowns when schools were closed and did not return to school. She died in harrowing circumstances on 17 September 2022, weighing 146kg (22st 13lb). She was 1.45m (4′ 8″) tall.

Her cause of death was recorded as resulting from “inflammation and infection in extensive areas of ulceration arising from obesity and its complications and immobility in a girl with spina bifida and hydrocephalus”.

The landmark case creates a precedent by identifying lack of activity and obesity among children as being the legal responsibility of parents.