Parents Avoid Jail for Baby's Cocaine Milk Death

A tragic incident unfolded in Newquay, Cornwall, where a nine-day-old baby, Darcey, was found dead in a hotel room on November 11, 2023. Investigations revealed the infant had ingested cocaine, with evidence suggesting it was passed through her mother's breast milk. The baby's parents, Rochelle Thomas, 30, and Andrew Maunder, 29, were present at the Hotel Victoria when emergency services were called.

Both parents pleaded guilty to child neglect. A hearing at Truro Crown Court on Thursday revealed that both abused cocaine. Maunder regularly used the drug, while toxicology reports showed Thomas used it during and after her pregnancy. Cocaine was also found on their clothing and fingers, and a cup in the room was contaminated.

Judge Simon Carr sentenced both parents to two-and-a-half years imprisonment, suspended for three years, and ordered a year of rehabilitation work. Thomas will also enter a six-month drug rehabilitation program. The judge admonished them for prioritizing addiction over their baby's safety, noting their failure to protect Darcey.

Defending counsel described the situation as tragic, highlighting the parents' intent to move for family support and their seeking of help. The judge acknowledged Thomas's struggles with post-traumatic stress and depression, and Maunder's remorse and poor mental health, stating that immediate imprisonment would not be constructive.