Solicitors say there were a “series of gaps” in child safeguarding measures after an inquest heard that a baby’s death could not have been predicted.

Asiah Kudi, known affectionately as Navaeh, died alone in a supported accommodation flat in Brighton after her teenage mother Verphy Kudi left her to party for six days in London and Coventry.

Brighton and Hove City Council says changes have been made in the wake of Asiah’s death but lawyers for her grandparents said the new measures prove there was a gap in the first place.

Emma Gilbert, a solicitor for the grandparents, said: “It was Naveah’s grandparents' aim in this inquest to be a voice for their granddaughter and to understand how, despite the extensive network surrounding her mother, nobody picked up the very many episodes where she was left alone in the two months before her death.

The Argus: Asiah Kudi and Verphy KudiAsiah Kudi and Verphy Kudi

“It is unfortunately clear from the complete lack of risk assessments done in relation to Naveah in the final year of her life and the absence of knowledge of her true whereabouts while she was living at Gocher Court [in Islingword Road, Brighton] that there was little professional curiosity about Naveah’s lived experience.

“The measures that both Brighton and Hove City Council and YMCA Downslink have put in place since Naveah’s death show that there were a series of gaps in the safeguarding of children who are dependents of a vulnerable child under 18 that needed to be filled.

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“We can only hope that these measures will put children like Naveah in the forefront of professional minds working with vulnerable young parents going forward.”

Senior coroner Penelope Schofield concluded that Asiah Kudi was unlawfully killed but that social workers could not foresee the “tragic events”.

Social workers gave evidence at the inquest, held at Sussex University, saying that Asiah and Kudi had a lot of support available.

In response to the inquest conclusion, Brighton and Hove city councillor Emma Daniel, children’s safeguarding lead, said: “We have all been deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic death of Asiah Kudi. It was really important that we explored all the circumstances surrounding this.

“The coroner found that there was nothing professionals could have done that could have foreseen this tragic death. They were also satisfied that changes have been made in response to any learning.

The Argus: Verphy KudiVerphy Kudi (Image: Sussex Police)

“Since the publication and findings of the independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review carried out by the Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Children’s Partnership we have worked to carry out and put in progress all recommendations.

“The council takes its safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously and we remain focused on working with families and partners to keep children safe.

“Throughout this process Asiah and her family have been at the forefront of our minds and we are truly sorry for their loss.”

YMCA Downslink was approached for comment.