German Mother Jailed for Locking Daughter Away for Years

A German mother was sentenced to five years in prison for the kidnapping and mistreatment of her daughter, who was confined at home for seven years in Attendorn, Sauerland region, Germany. The girl, now 11 years old, was found by her grandparents and freed in September 2022.

During her confinement, she received neither schooling nor medical care, leading to severe developmental problems due to isolation. The mother fabricated stories claiming she had moved to Italy, and her grandparents allegedly assisted her by running errands and spreading false claims about the child's whereabouts.

The grandmother received a two-year suspended sentence, while the grandfather also received a suspended sentence for his role as an accomplice. The mother’s trial began earlier in the year, and she reportedly attempted suicide at the start of the proceedings.