Her decision to continue was based on needing the money and already possessing a return ticket — a common profile for targets of criminal exploitation.
Trauma, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage While in Custody
Glenn Gatland, defending, said KanKam-Adu had a difficult childhood and had spent time in a care home, which can be a risk factor for mental health challenges, chronic stress, and lack of access to preventative care services. He added that before committing the offence, she found out she was pregnant and didn’t want her child to suffer a similar fate.
Mr. Gatland said the young woman needed money for a housing deposit, and her naivety led her to follow the friend’s suggestion.
Tragically, while being remanded in custody for three months, KanKam-Adu suffered a miscarriage, a devastating outcome that may raise ethical concerns around pregnancy complications in detention, prenatal healthcare negligence, and OB-GYN malpractice risk within the prison system.
Mr. Gatland added: “She has spent three months in custody, and that will certainly serve as a deterrent to her to keep out of trouble in future.”
