Mum’s tears over tot’s op

Date published: 28 November 2012


THE mother of a four-week-old baby who died after a tragic home circumcision operation broke down in tears in court as she relived the ordeal.

An emotional Sylvia Attiko (30) explained to the jury at the trial of Nigerian-born nurse Grace Adeleye how her son was “uncomfortable” and crying when the short operation was carried out without anaesthetic in the family home in Chadderton.

Miss Attiko, also Nigerian, admits she was not told by Adeleye (66) of the risks or possible complications of the procedure, a tradition among Christian families in their country.

Goodluck Caubergs, who died the day after the 66-year-old medic carried out the procedure in April 2010, bled continually after Adeleye left the home.

Miss Attiko revealed a patch of blood in her son’s nappy. She said: “She (Adeleye) did not say what to do when looking after Goodluck after she had left.”

The medic, accused of gross negligence manslaughter, of which she denies, was paid £100, the jury at Manchester Crown Court heard.

Miss Attiko admitted she wasn’t aware the procedure was available on the NHS.

On arrival at the home, Adeleye said the procedure required just Calpol, olive oil and a bowl of water.

Adeleye was only at the family home for 40 minutes, the court heard.

Adeleye said before she left the home that she would return two days later to check the baby’s wound.

The trial continues.