A heartbreaking case in Stoke-on-Trent has left a community reeling after a five-month-old baby girl, Rhian Mahoney, died while her mother spent the night drinking vodka and celebrating her birthday instead of properly caring for her.
What Happened
On the night of the tragedy, Natasha Birks, 37, was the sole caregiver for her daughter. Instead of attending to the infant, she drank heavily with a friend, consuming vodka mixed with orange juice and Irish cream liqueur.
Prosecutors told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that Birks placed Rhian on a sofa and only checked on her from a distance, occasionally glancing from the dining room doorway rather than performing proper checks.
When Rhian failed to wake for her regular middle-of-the-night feed, Birks did not notice. Paramedics were called the next morning, but tragically, Rhian had already passed away.
Who Was Rhian Mahoney
Rhian was just five months old at the time of her death. Described in court as a vulnerable and entirely dependent infant, her loss has deeply shaken the local community. The heartbreaking case highlights how quickly neglect can lead to devastating consequences.
Background on Natasha Birks
Birks admitted to drinking heavily on the night of her birthday, prioritizing her celebrations over her child’s welfare. While the court accepted that she did not intend to cause Rhian’s death, her reckless actions and intoxication left her incapable of providing the supervision her baby needed.
She has now been found guilty of child cruelty and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.
Public Reactions
News of Rhian’s death has caused widespread sadness and outrage. Many community members expressed disbelief that a mother could neglect such basic responsibilities, particularly for a child so young. The tragedy has reignited discussions about parental responsibility, alcohol abuse, and safeguarding children.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Elaine Radway of the Crown Prosecution Service said:
“Natasha Birks chose to drink heavily while responsible for her five-month-old baby who was entirely dependent on her. Although she did not cause her child’s death or foresee this devastating outcome, her level of intoxication meant she could not provide the supervision Rhian needed.”
Birks will return to court in December for sentencing. Judges are expected to weigh the severity of her neglect against the fact that she did not directly cause her daughter’s death.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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