The family of disabled Newtown teenager Kaylea Titford say they are “incredibly saddened” by her death caused by neglect by her parents who were sentenced to a total of more than 13 years in prison.
Kaylea’s father Alun Titford was jailed for seven years and six months, and her mother Sarah Lloyd-Jones was sentenced to six years in prison for gross manslaughter negligence when they appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, March 1.
Following the sentencing, Kaylea’s family released a short statement, saying: “As a family, we are incredibly saddened by Kaylea’s death. While we appreciate the support we have received, we now request privacy and time to grieve our loss.”
A detective involved in the “traumatic and difficult” manslaughter said police “did all we could to ensure we got justice” for the 16-year-old.
Dyfed-Powys Police Detective Chief Inspector Jon Rees described the conditions in which Kaylea was found as “incomprehensible”.
READ MORE: Parents of Kaylea Titford jailed for combined 13 years for her death
“The impact of what they saw and experienced will be long-lasting for the officers and ambulance service staff who attended,” he said.
“To think that Kaylea was able to attend school and play sport just months before she died, is heart-breaking.
“While we did all we could to ensure we got justice for Kaylea, nothing will take away from the loss of a teenage girl who was so badly let down by the very people who should have been caring for her.
“Once again, I would like to thank the officers and staff from Dyfed-Powys Police and other agencies for their commitment and professionality during what has been a traumatic and difficult investigation.”
Kaylea Titford died in October 2020, just two weeks after her 16th birthday. She had lived with hydrocephalus and spinabifida from birth, but attended mainstream school where she had many friends and enjoyed playing wheelchair basketball.
Following the report of her death, an intensive police investigation was carried out, with engagement from the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as medical, dental and environmental experts.
It was established that in the months leading to her death, Kaylea’s physical and hygienic needs had not been met by her parents, who were charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
NSPCC Cymru described the case as "incredibly distressing" and has urged anyone with concerns for a child to contact its helpline.
"The conscious, prolonged neglect of Kaylea Titford by her parents, Sarah Lloyd-Jones and Alun Titford, ultimately caused the teenager's death," a spokesperson for the charity said.
“People will be asking how any child in our society could suffer like this without anyone intervening to prevent such a tragedy.
“The forthcoming Child Safeguarding Practice Review must leave no stone unturned in establishing what more could have been done to protect Kaylea so other children do not suffer such appalling neglect unnoticed.
Anyone with concerns for a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk
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