The case was controversial because it was quite obvious that Gloria (of Ghanaian descent) had not intentionally caused the death of her daughter. In fact in her defence in court she claimed she and her siblings had been fed the same way by her mother in Ghana. She was not alone in feeling she did nothing wrong as her legal team presented the court with a 1,000-signature petition from family and friends pleading for mercy, and asked the judge to impose a suspended sentence.
However the bottom line is that her actions caused the death of her child and I found her comments that children are fed the same way in Ghana a little misguided. Coming from a Ghanaian home I know there is a lot emphasis placed on eating properly especially from a young age. Although I don’t remember my mum placing a jug in my mouth! And I was a fussy eater as a child. In essence Gloria’s actions were naïve and dangerous I don’t doubt that she ever intended to hurt her child however force feeding a child of that age was reckless/irresponsible and was bound to damage over time. Unfortunately forGloria the damage was fatal. Though I do think the sentence of three years wasa tad harsh
The judge in the case described Gloria’s actions and her obsession with her baby’s weight as follows;“At best it was a misguided obsession - but a determined obsession - which must have caused daily prolonged distress to your daughter," he said.
He also added; "It cannot be described as an act of kindness.”It took away her life and that is something you must live with “ Thus indeed it will be all the more difficult for Gloria to live with it now that she has been punished for her actions.
Ben