Obese Powys teen Kaylea Titford let down by professionals, trial told

Alun Titford is accused of gross negligence manslaughter of his 16-year-old disabled and obese daughter. He denies the charge.

Summing up the defence case, Titford's barrister told the trial that Kaylea, who had spina bifida since birth and used a wheelchair, and her family had fallen by the wayside when services withdrew in the years leading up to her death in October 2020.

Speaking about a doctor's evidence, David Elias KC said: "Children's health and social services failed to recognise Kaylea's situation and there was no supervision for her health and welfare.

"That is a pretty damning thing to say. That is not a defence for the defendant. But is it not worthy of considering the failures?"

The jury at Mold Crown Court was told by Mr Elias that it was "blindingly obvious" the circumstances of Kaylea's death were "truly shocking".

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"But it doesn't mean in any way this defendant is guilty of any offence," he said adding that Titford relied on his partner, a trained carer, who had "done such a good job in the past".

"When he says and agrees in the witness box 'yes, I am equally to blame for the death of my daughter'; of course, he says that many months, years later bearing what he now knows, seen and heard," Mr Elias said.

The jury was told that Titford would attend Kaylea's hospital and doctors appointments when she was younger, which a doctor described as a "close physical relationship".

But as she grew older Titford "took more of a backseat" when his daughter hit puberty because he was uncomfortable cleaning her, and Sarah Lloyd-Jones took more responsibility for Kaylea's needs from 2012.

Mr Elias reminded the jury that a doctor said Titford was the "driving force" for steadying Kaylea's weight years earlier. 

"The family were on board and eating healthily but it became more difficult as she grew older. She had a strong personality, she knew her own mind, A doctor said she knew how to play people. It's not a criticism, it's an insight."

Explaining why Titford had not noticed a smell in Kaylea's room, the jury was reminded that the paramedic who arrived at the house following the 999 call wasn't aware of a smell until her duvet covers had been pulled back.

"Her living conditions were terrible but when it was uncovered it became much, much worse. You have to look at what was going on in the lives of those in the house. There's no dispute that Alun Titford was working full time 40 to 50 hours a week leaving early and coming back late, and working 15 days straight during the lead-up to Kaylea's death.

"There is no dispute that both parents should or could have done more."

Alun Titford arriving at the beginning of his trial. (Image: Press Association)

Mr Elias said evidence from doctors in the witness box stated that the family had a lack of support from health and care services, despite the lockdown.

"There was much less input from services as years went on, Dr Rogers told you." 

"To actually make sure there were checks and assessments there needed to be a key worker but there wasn't one at all.

"Dr Rogers said those caring for Kaylea didn't have the support they should have had. No one was aware what was going on.

"Social services should have been aware and provided respite care for Kaylea's carers, her parents."

Mr Elias added: "It's difficult for parents to access hospitals in mid Wales. The best way was a homecare package where people would come to the home. That didn't happen. 

"There were no evidence of strategies or monitoring in place. There should have been more help. She and the family were let down.

"The work would have been enormous. Bear in mind that this was when Alun Titford was working 40 to 50 hours a week, and working 15 days straight in the lead up to Kaylea's death, and Sarah was working fulltime popping back during shifts to care for Kaylea."

The trial continues.

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