Mother who left newborn son in woodland to die is sentenced

A mother who left her newborn baby son to die in woodland in the New Forest has today been jailed for life with a minimum of nine years.

Silipa Keresi was convicted of murder by a jury after it was heard she had wrapped baby Malakai in a towel and left him by a tree off Shore Road, Hythe.

Maliki was found by a member of the public on the afternoon of March 5, 2020, with Keresi arrested two days later after our investigations led us to her.

Keresi, of Pylewell Road, Hythe, denied murder and an alternate charge of infanticide. She was found guilty by a jury at Winchester Crown Court.

The judge, Mr Justice Garnham QC, sentenced her to life in prison, with a minimum term of nine years before she can be considered for parole.

In sentencing, he said: “The abandonment of Malakai was an act of desperation by a vulnerable woman, facing challenging circumstances. The emotional affect of your giving birth outdoors and unaccompanied was profound.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Acting DCI Adam Edwards said: “The death of baby Maliki Keresi is truly heartbreaking and no sentence will ever be able to bring him back or give him the life he deserved.

“I want to take this chance to speak to any new or expecting mothers who find themselves in a situation or circumstance which may lead them considering such extreme actions as those we have seen in this case; please know, there is always help out there for you.

“There are many organisations, charities and professionals who can provide you with support and advice.

“Today’s sentencing is the culmination of many hours of hard work by our investigation team, and the work of experts who provided important evidence.”