SA mother on trial over daughter’s tragic death after years of alleged abuse
WARNING: Contains explicit material
A mother accused of subjecting her teenage daughter to years of cruel abuse could be held criminally responsible for the girl’s death, a court has heard.
Jenni Gaye Wilmott, 56, from Flagstaff Hill, 20 minutes south of the Adelaide CBD, is facing trial in the Supreme Court, charged with manslaughter and criminal neglect over the death of her 15-year-old daughter Jasmine who died by suicide in October 2018.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Prosecutors allege Jasmine endured five years of physical and emotional torment at the hands of her mother — including being locked in an alarmed bedroom, forced to do chores in her underwear, and denied food.
At the time of her death, Jasmine weighed just 32kg and had a dangerously low body mass index of 15.4.
She was rushed to hospital on October 4, 2018, but died two days later after being taken off life support.
Prosecutor Jemma Litster told the court Jasmine’s “catastrophic act of self-harm” was a direct result of the “significant and overwhelming” neglect she allegedly suffered at home.
“It is contended that Ms Wilmott killed her daughter Jasmine and that she did so through criminally negligent conduct as a carer,” Litster said.
The court heard Wilmott had falsely claimed Jasmine suffered from an eating disorder and autism — despite no formal diagnosis.
“She marginalised her within the home and treated her as a burden,” Litster said, describing the relationship as one marked by resentment.
Disturbing details emerged, including claims Jasmine was made to sleep in a locked, freezing laundry “unfit for living,” and that neighbours reported hearing yelling and signs of physical abuse.
Litster said Jasmine’s writings found after her death revealed a girl “degraded” by her mother’s treatment.
The court also heard Wilmott spent little time at the hospital while Jasmine was on life support — instead returning home to clean her room and discard her belongings.
By 2020, Jasmine’s ashes had been buried in her grandfather’s grave, with no memorial marking her life.
Wilmott has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial, being heard by Justice Sandi McDonald without a jury, continues.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- SANE on 1800 187 263
Originally published on 7NEWS
