Baby drowning case being heard behind closed doors
A general shot of the scene where the baby drowned.
Court hearings in the case of the baby who drowned in a bath will be heard behind closed doors, a magistrate ruled today following agreement between the defence and the prosecution.
The 17-year-old mother of the baby, who drowned in a bath in Cospicua last month , is pleading not guilty to involuntary homicide.
In a sitting last week the court banned publication of names. The accused was also remanded at the Forensics Unit of Mt Carmel Hospital.
When the sitting resumed this morning, defence counsel asked the court to have the case heard behind closed doors because of the age of the accused and the fact that the case had been given a lot of publicity
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit noted that court had already banned the publication of name sand in her opinion their rights were therefore safeguarded, however she wanted to hear the prosecution.
The prosecution said it did not oppose the request of the defence.
The court then agreed that the continuation of the case should be behind closed doors.
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53 Comments
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Charles Muscat
Sep 18th 2012, 03:09
I am not judging the 17 year old but if she was old enough to bring a child into this world is old enough to face the consequences whether behind closed doors or not.
Lawrence Buontempo
Sep 18th 2012, 01:50
Little Roslana, you're just 1 month older than our boy, Alex.
May you give solace to your parents even in the afterlife.
You showed us to love our kids a million times more.
Praying for the young mother and her family.
Mr Adrian Zahra
Sep 17th 2012, 20:29
There is only one judge to such a case and that is God. Hope the mother can manage to find some courage to keep going on. An innocent life has been lost lets not make it two.
Joanna Cassar
Sep 17th 2012, 18:16
silence is the best answer in the face of tragedy.....
if someone has something to say, let this be a prayer in one's heart for all those involved.
Ruben Mifsud
Sep 17th 2012, 18:49
Golden Words Joanna..
Peter Murray
Sep 17th 2012, 17:43
Not any of my business-nor anybody else's I would suggest-that this case be heard in camera but what "names" actually are banned from publication -as virtually all of them ,except the mother,have already been revealed in the preceeding publicity!
John Holmes
Sep 17th 2012, 16:41
Mr S Bonnici, I was talking of the outcome of the Judge. Its the Law. The Law shows no compassion. If the person is found to be guilty of the charge, then the judge, after seeing all the facts. and weighing them , according to his wisdom, culture, education, and his upbringing, then lays, his judgement.
On the other hand it weighs on me hugely, how everyone already forgot that defenseless little baby. Everyone seems to look at this little embryo of nine months, as some three year old baby, or a young toddler, playing with some plastic ducks, in the bath tub.
At nine months of age, I will not even let my child, sit on the sofa, because i know, they lose balance so easily, now let alone in the bath, with water.
Its good to show compassion for the living, but that person is living, the other is gone, and gone forever. It is for the latter that my heart bleeds.
S Bonnici
Sep 17th 2012, 17:10
Mr. Holmes, I never did refer to your comment. My comment is a general comment to the load of senseless comments that are at times shown
. On this particular occasion I felt the need to write and express my thoughts. I am a parent myself. I cannot imagine the excruciating pain this young mother has inflicted on herself when she realised that her baby died due to lack of attention on her part. But Mr. Holmes, accidents happen and it has thus happened. I don't leave my child unattended yet we are onlly human to make mistakes and I am not in a position to judge. We will let the judges judge behind closed doors. I do not need the details of how little Roslana died. I do not need to know. You do not need to know. Nobody needs to know. I am more than sure that this 17 year old girl will feel guilty for all her life. She has to live with that and that is a lifetime sentence whether in a prison cell, whether in a psychiatric hospital or whether in her own home. She will always carry the guilt with her! You won't carry it, I won't carry it but she will. At night you will sleep, I will sleep, but she will certainly have nightmares all her life!
Isn't that enough for a 17 year old to endure? I am by no means defending her but I do not wish to see her being driven insane either.
S Bonnici
Sep 17th 2012, 15:10
Why do you want to know her name? Everyone knows her name. It was splashed on all means of communication! It's a big tragedy. I cannot imagine the pain she has in her heart and the thoughts that prison her mind! Why not just show some compassion?!? Why are we always ready to JUDGE?!? Why do we ALWAYS want to know the details?!? Let people mourn, grieve their loss.... not rub the pain even harder in their skin!
She is only 17 years old. A little girl in a big tragedy. Tragedies happen. Unfortunately her baby died. May little Roslana reign amongst all the angels in Heaven.
josephine CACHIA
Sep 17th 2012, 15:37
very well said ..agree100% with your comment.
Christine Gatt
Sep 17th 2012, 16:35
Well said S Bonnici, it is given all the publicity as it happen to be a 17year old "single mother" if this accident happend to a " normal" married couple the story would have had a different version for sure. Now a days everyone has access to a computer but this could have even happened till the woman went to open the door or even when her phone rang. This could have happened to everyone all she needed is just the sense not to leave her child alone as in a split of a second they can turn the world up side down let a lone a baby without speech. May you rest in peace Roslana, a mistake cannot be penalised by a judgement or a sentence given from court. Now one knows what is running from the mothers mind no lawyers, nor the magistrate, or else the people judging. A simple sentence by court may make her life more miserable.
Rita Camilleri
Sep 17th 2012, 16:44
Prosit.
John Holmes
Sep 17th 2012, 14:52
Oh you are all so emotional about the way the Judge sees it. It has nothing to do with the tragedy of the baby, its the law, that prohibits the publication of names, and heard behind closed doors , because its a minor.
Pamela Hansen
Sep 17th 2012, 14:20
Wise decision. Go read a novel if you enjoy reading about other people's distress.
S Bonnici
Sep 17th 2012, 15:13
Wise words Pamela! I don't understand the level of curiosity of our society!
Victor Pulis
Sep 17th 2012, 14:11
To all those who want to know the truth(?)
We would like to know what you will be doing with that truth.
Will you use it to maybe help the shattered mother?
Will you use it to bring back the baby?
This is one of those instances where the grey area of the law comes into play.
The mother is guilty of leaving the baby unattended.
But the mother paid for her negligence by losing her child for ever.
What greater tragedy can a parent go through?
I wouldn't want to be in either the mother's or the judge's shoes in this matter.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 17th 2012, 14:09
The accused felt she was quite mature to behave as responsible adults should and she mothered a child which is now dead. I think that for the defence to claim that she is a minor and that the trial should be heard behind closed doors, is the pits. People, especially young people, have a lot to learn from this tragedy.
Franco Attard Trevisan
Sep 17th 2012, 15:19
Franco ... I very much doubt knowing what the mother's name was can make any difference to anyone who has a lesson to learn from this tragedy.... The important thing is that when the proceedings are over the verdict will be public.
Try put yourself in this young mother's shoes for once... Yes she mothered a child but this still doesn't make her an adult (legally) .... There are cases of 11 or 12 year old who have given birth to children... Should these also be considered adults??
James Dewar
Sep 17th 2012, 21:40
Anything that to be learnt by others can easily be gleaned by reading between the lines and it is not necessary for the public to know any more of the tragic circumstances than they already do. Public gloating will neither bring back the child or help the grieving mother. Holding the proceedings in private seems wholly appropriate in the circumstances.
Robert Caruana
Sep 17th 2012, 13:54
A very humane line of action by the prosecution and a wise decision by the magistrate - whatever fault the young mother may or may not have had, she cannot have a worse experience than she has passed through - publishing details of such a sensitive case simply to satisfy the morbid curiosity of some members of the public is simply not on.
Franco Farrugia
Sep 17th 2012, 14:09
Was fate 'very humane' with the drowned child, Mr Caruana?
Franco Farrugia
Sep 17th 2012, 14:10
And how dare you claim that the members of the public have 'morbid curiosity'? If for nothing else, this should be a lesson to many young people. It is the hiding of facts which is 'not on'!
Franco Attard Trevisan
Sep 17th 2012, 15:21
@ Franco... do you deny that 'morbid curiosity' exists??
Robert Caruana
Sep 17th 2012, 16:00
Oooo...Franco - I am soooooo sorry - of course it is not about morbid curiosity - it is all an exercise in education - publishing the name of the person involved and the details is so very helpful to society - and the magistrate is keeping us all in ignorance - Hallina!!
Franco Farrugia
Sep 17th 2012, 18:15
Sur Caruana, hallina int!
Our society has had ENOUGH of these tragic theatricals involving youngsters who behave as adults.
We must instill in them that having children, indulging in sex, is an ADULT MATTER! Even if this is a very unpopular thing to say, IT MUST BE SAID! Have sex as much as you like - but then, you have to take the responsibility of it as well! I repeat: I am not telling anyone not to have sex - go ahead, have sex, but remember, that there may be a price to pay ... especially if you are, oh, so bloody ignorant and stupid and backward enough as not to be able to use a condom right! Or if you don't have the money for it!
S.M. Cuschieri
Sep 17th 2012, 21:24
@ Franco Farrugia
Very well said. My heart goes out to that poor baby and what she must have gone through......If found guilty, the "poor" mother must answer for her actions. I am a mother myself, and I never let my nine month old daughter alone, even for a second. Sewwa nghid it-tfal qeghdin irrabbu it-tfal u minghajr skrupli. Tough luck that she is 17.....she was not thinking of her age when she allowed herself to get pregnant......Oh!! she was old enough for that.....!!!!
Jeremy Gambin
Sep 17th 2012, 13:52
Due to the tragic circumstances - I agree that this case should be held behind closed doors and her name not made public- even if she was older. This girl needs all the counselling & help in the world to cope in the future; its a pity she was not taught before how to take care of kids; some of the responsibility might lie elswhere. i cannot understand how someone could even think of having a right to know her name. If it had been a pedophile or drunk-killer-driver on bail after 2/3 offences then i might tend to agree.
Mark Fleri
Sep 17th 2012, 13:18
Old enough to have a baby but not old enough to have her name mentioned in court.
Franco Attard Trevisan
Sep 17th 2012, 14:17
What difference does knowing the girl's name make to your life??
Deo Catania
Sep 17th 2012, 14:40
and did it ever occur to you that her partner was of legal age when he impregnated her? isn't that agaisnt the law since she is still a minor? waiting for some kind of nonsense reply from you.
Mark Fleri
Sep 17th 2012, 15:53
@ Franco Attard
It makes no difference to me, in fact I made no reference to wanting to know her name, it was just a statement.
@ Deo Catania
Hope you have not been waiting to long for my comment.
As you fail to understand my point I will further elaborate for you.
1. It takes two to tango so your argument about him getting her pregnant holds no water. They both consented so they share responsibility of looking after a child.
2. Her partner was not the one to place the baby in the bath whilst leaving the water running and then going onto the computer only to return back with the bath over flowing. That is involuntary homicide, its no accident and its no act of god. What it is irresponsible and the main (not the only) victim here is the baby.
S.M. Cuschieri
Sep 17th 2012, 21:27
Thank goodness.......someone writing with common sense!!!!!
william cauchi
Sep 17th 2012, 13:16
If you are old enough to be a mother, you should be old enough to face your responsibilities.
manuel Attard
Sep 17th 2012, 13:44
so according to you a 17 year old is old enough to have a child ?
C Agius
Sep 17th 2012, 14:02
Just as the father faced responsibility and the child was registered as "father unknown".. easy to point fingers at the younger one of the couple who had no choice (unlike the father).
Christian Pullicino
Sep 17th 2012, 14:16
The couple cohabited for 7 months and even afterwards the father was still very active in his daughter's life. My guess is that the baby was registered as 'unknown father' in order for the mother to reap the social benefits.
Pamela Hansen
Sep 17th 2012, 14:19
She is having to face her responsibilties, but why should she be further humiliated and distressed? To satisfy people's morbid voyeurism?
Mr Julian Delia
Sep 17th 2012, 13:05
Ever heard about minding your own business? Very common Maltese trait to want to know all, to be able to gossip, twist and warp stories as you please....
Kimberley Portelli
Sep 17th 2012, 13:43
Well Said !!
Stephen Frendo
Sep 17th 2012, 13:53
Very well said Mr. Delia (condolences to the mother, father and their families)
Kevin Cassar
Sep 17th 2012, 13:04
I'm very curious to hear the outcome of this one. When it comes to court and law, there are various levels defining every crime and in the case of a resulting loss of life, there are different words to define each type. Hence in this case I think that "involuntary homicide" is not the correct term but rather "negligent involuntary manslaughter" and I am also unsure whether she (the young mother) should be indicted since she is still not a legally recognized adult (a legally recognized adult took the responsibility on the life of the baby when they signed to release her from hospital). Having said all this, I am by no means a legal expert (far from it) and I may obviously be wrong or have misconceptions about this.
mario delicata
Sep 17th 2012, 12:55
To be heard behind closed doors because she is still young !
She was not young to have a baby .
This is ridiculus, citizens demand to know the truth.
Joe Borg
Sep 17th 2012, 13:04
will it make a difference in your life?? kulhadd irrid jilhaq salib haddiehor
avy vella-garlitz
Sep 17th 2012, 13:05
why would it be of your interrest ? why do the citizens need to know whats goin on ?? mind your own business .
Derek Grillo
Sep 17th 2012, 13:06
What you 'demand' to know is actually none of your business. How dare you be so prejudiced and arrogant? You seem to think that since she's a young unmarried mother, she doesn't have the right to a private hearing (Quoting: She was not young to have a baby).
It is you, Mario, who are ridiculous.
Emmanuel Ebejer
Sep 17th 2012, 13:13
The public should mind their own business! Don't be so nosey!
Joseph Francis
Sep 17th 2012, 13:25
Is it going to change your life knowing her name??? Or your curiosity has no limits???
Ms Xixi Caruana
Sep 17th 2012, 13:25
It's none of your business!!! Get on with your life ...!!!
Etienne Psaila
Sep 17th 2012, 13:26
...and can you tell us why exactly citizens need to know the truth about this case? The only reason I find is to gossip!!
And yes, she is still young. Even a 13 year old can have a baby but that does not mean she's old enough.
Ms Maria Vella
Sep 17th 2012, 14:22
I am a citizen but I don't demand to know the truth - the truth is that a tragedy occurred where an innocent being lost its life and the parents, am sure are suffering the pain of the loss, whether they are at fault or not.
So go read your gossip pages in some OK or Hello magazine and just let this family be!
May little Roselana rest in peace
Franco Attard Trevisan
Sep 17th 2012, 14:23
the only aspect of this story that is of interest to society is the outcome of such a case and NOT the name of the girl in question... The only ridiculous thing here is your comment!
judging from the comments down here it's only YOU who are demanding to know and not the 'citizens'... Keep in mind that satisfying one's curiosity is not a right!
Deo Catania
Sep 17th 2012, 14:47
Mario Delicata, what are your views regarding the father of the baby? this hero impregnated two girls both under 18yrs of age.
fred sammut
Sep 17th 2012, 12:43
hope the good will previle.....
Please choose the reason of your report below: