Police confirm they are not investigating anyone else over 'groomed' young Portsmouth mum concealing birth of dead baby

POLICE have confirmed they are not investigating anyone else after a young mum who was ‘groomed’ admitted concealing the birth of her baby before it was found dead.
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Lisa Blagden, 21, was given an absolute discharge for concealment of baby Ivory Rose at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court yesterday after she was described as being ‘blameless’ and ‘frightened’ following the surprise birth on December 27, 2019.

The court heard how Ms Blagden had been ‘groomed’ by a man more than 30 years her senior who was the father of the baby. He had warned her not to reveal their friendship had become sexual by telling her that her family would disown her.

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Today, police have confirmed they will not be investigating anyone else in relation to the matter, with the authority saying the ‘case is closed’.

Police launched a major operation after a newborn baby was found dead in Old Commercial Road at the junction with Victoria Street in Buckland on Saturday at 6.18am.

Picture: Keith Woodland (250120-2)Police launched a major operation after a newborn baby was found dead in Old Commercial Road at the junction with Victoria Street in Buckland on Saturday at 6.18am.

Picture: Keith Woodland (250120-2)
Police launched a major operation after a newborn baby was found dead in Old Commercial Road at the junction with Victoria Street in Buckland on Saturday at 6.18am. Picture: Keith Woodland (250120-2)
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Following Ivory Rose’s birth, Ms Blagden, who did not know she was pregnant before suddenly giving birth and passing out, had placed her baby in a hedge so that she could see the dead child from her bedroom window.

But almost a month later the body was disturbed by animals and was found in the street by a member of the public in Old Commercial Road, Portsmouth, near to the birthplace of Charles Dickens

Three women from Portsmouth, including Ms Blagden, and a 22-year-old and 40-year-old, were initially arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder as part of a police investigation into the death.

Flowers, soft toys and heartfelt messages left in tribute to a newborn baby girl who was found dead in at the junction of Old Commercial Road and Victoria Street in Buckland, Portsmouth, on January 25, 2020 at 6.18am. Picture: Millie SalkeldFlowers, soft toys and heartfelt messages left in tribute to a newborn baby girl who was found dead in at the junction of Old Commercial Road and Victoria Street in Buckland, Portsmouth, on January 25, 2020 at 6.18am. Picture: Millie Salkeld
Flowers, soft toys and heartfelt messages left in tribute to a newborn baby girl who was found dead in at the junction of Old Commercial Road and Victoria Street in Buckland, Portsmouth, on January 25, 2020 at 6.18am. Picture: Millie Salkeld
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‘The arrests followed the discovery of the baby’s body at the junction of Victoria Street and Old Commercial Road on the morning of January 25, 2020. All three women will face no further action in relation to their arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to murder,’ a police spokesman said.

‘Our enquiries throughout 2020 did not identify any evidence of a criminal act in relation to the death of the baby girl.

‘Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, 21 year-old Ms Blagden from the Milton area of Portsmouth was charged with concealment of the birth of a child.

‘She entered a guilty plea at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday April 7 and was granted an absolute discharge in relation to the offence, due to the tragic circumstances presented to the court.’

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An absolute discharge is an unconditional outcome where the court finds a crime has technically been committed but any punishment of the defendant is deemed inappropriate.

Police said the ‘case is then closed’ before adding: ‘We are not looking for anyone else in relation to our investigation.’

A spokeswoman for charity Aurora New Dawn, which supports survivors of abuse and sexual violence, said: ‘It is clear this is a tragic case that has left a very vulnerable woman with lifelong trauma. We have nothing but empathy for Lisa and her family, as the judge stated, she has done nothing wrong.

‘We have seen some of the comments online directed at Lisa and can only urge people to refrain from casting judgement against people in situations they clearly cannot understand.

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‘We would urge anyone who is in a similar situation to reach out and speak to someone in confidence. There is help out there and our helpline is currently running 24/7 – which you can call on 02394 216 816.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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