Couple jailed for killing their baby with strict diet because of their religious beliefs

Five-month-old Ndingeko Kunene died of the disease, because his parents believed God would guide the family when it came to any matter that affected life

Extreme beliefs: Nkosiyapha and Virginia Kunene
The parents of a five-month old baby have been jailed after he died from RICKETS because of his poor diet.

Nkosiyapha Kunene, 36, and Virginia Kunene, 32, were sentenced to three years, and two years and three months respectively at the Old Bailey today for manslaughter.

Mr Justice Singh said: "The secular courts of this country apply the secular law of the land. They do so equally to all who come before them. The law respects the right of everyone to freedom of thought and belief.

"However the right to manifest one's religion is not absolute. It is limited in particular by the rights of others. The state has a particularly important duty to protect the right to life, especially when a young child is concerned."The couple, of Carlton Road, Erith, Kent, admitted the charge at earlier hearings.

The judge said Ndingeko was born on January 1 2012 and died in June 14 that year.

He was found to have been suffering from rickets resulting from severe Vitamin D deficiency.

The court heard the child was born at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford.

From birth, he had medical problems, and the judge said it was emphasised on behalf of the couple that the vitamin D deficiency was not diagnosed at that stage, nor was Virginia Kunene given advice about taking supplements.

The mother did not attend a scheduled check up on March 8 and Ndingeko was not seen by a health care professional from then on to the day he died.