A MOTHER who left her newborn son to die in Hampshire woodland has been jailed for life.

Silipa Keresi has today been jailed for life and must serve a minimum of nine years in prison.

The 38-year-old of Pylewell Road, Hythe was convicted of murder by a jury after it was heard she had wrapped baby Malakai in a towel and left him by a tree off Shore Road, Hythe.

His body was found by a dog walker on the afternoon of March 5, 2020.

Keresi, who was arrested two days later, denied murder and an alternate charge of infanticide.

However, following a trial at Winchester Crown Court, she was found guilty.

The judge, Mr Justice Garnham QC, sentenced her to life in prison, with a minimum term of nine years before she can be considered for parole.

In sentencing, he said: "The abandonment of Malakai was an act of desperation by a vulnerable woman, facing challenging circumstances. The emotional affect of your giving birth outdoors and unaccompanied was profound."

Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Acting DCI Adam Edwards said: "The death of baby Malakai Keresi is truly heartbreaking and no sentence will ever be able to bring him back or give him the life he deserved.

"I want to take this chance to speak to any new or expecting mothers who find themselves in a situation or circumstance which may lead them considering such extreme actions as those we have seen in this case; please know, there is always help out there for you.

"There are many organisations, charities and professionals who can provide you with support and advice.

"Today's sentencing is the culmination of many hours of hard work by our investigation team, and the work of experts who provided important evidence."