England: A Brazilian illegal immigrant who suffocated her new born baby girl before dumping the body in a freezer walked free from court

Enfield Independent:

Patricia De Carvalho Braga, 24, who was living with her family in Barrowell Green, Winchmore Hill, at the time of the incident on March 30 last year, already had three children and was afraid of another asking "where's my daddy?", the Old Bailey heard.

The court was told how Braga gave birth in a shed before leaving the baby in the unused freezer in her garden.

Braga was eight months pregnant when she came to Britain on a visitor's visa in February last year to see her mother.

She was able to hide her pregnancy because she was overweight, the court heard.

Ben Maguire, prosecuting, said: "The defendant at the time was actually in the latter stages of pregnancy, but due to her size she was able to keep (it) secret."

The court was told when Braga started to give birth she went into the garden of the family home.

Mr Maguire added: "She locked the door to the rear of the house, preventing anyone from approaching her.

"While she was there (in the shed), she gave birth to a baby girl.

"(She) returned to the house where she obtained some sellotape. She then went back outside where she wrapped the baby's head with cling film and sellotape, covering the mouth, the nose and the eyes."

The court was told how Braga then cut the umbilical cord with a pair of scissors, wrapped the baby in a bundle of bloodstained clothes and placed her in the freezer.

Braga has also never explained two fractures to the baby girl's skull which were caused with a blunt instrument.

She was charged with murder but admitted the alternative of infanticide, a plea accepted by the prosecution.

Judge Stephen Kramer told Braga: "The circumstances of the offence are sad to relate.

"I have to balance the fact you took a life and that you do present a risk to further children against your evident distress and remorse and the submission you need help."

Braga was given a 51-week sentence, suspended for two years, and will be supervised by the probation service.

The judge refused to deport her immediately but her case will now be reviewed by Home Secretary John Reid.

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