Woman, 70, posed as baby’s mother to get a circumcision

A 70-YEAR-OLD pharmacist pretended to be the mother of an 11-month-old baby to have him circumcised against his parents’ wishes, a court heard.

Martina Obi-uzom was determined that the child conform to her Nigerian Christian beliefs as she employed the skills of a Jewish mohel to perform the procedure in Golders Green, north London, on Sept 3 2017.

Inner London Crown Court heard that Obi-uzom recruited a male friend so they could pose as the boy’s parents and sign a consent form, which was accepted on face value by the mohel. Obiuzom, of Clacton-on-sea, Essex, was convicted by jurors of causing grievous bodily harm to the boy.

She was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £1,500 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

Judge Freya Newbery branded Obiuzom “arrogant” as she passed sentence, accusing her of “imposing her will” on the boy. She told her: “You have a Christian belief in circumcision that has great cultural and religious significance to you. You wanted the boy circumcised and the mother of the boy did not agree with you.

“The circumcision was a significant physical step with irreversible consequences. However, there was no parental consent and that is what is missing here.

“You imposed your will, ignoring the mother’s objections to the circumcision, and, as the boy’s father describes, it was a massive violation. It was an arrogant, imperious decision for what you wanted… It was a serious breach of trust.”

Judge Newbery said the offence merited a prison sentence, but there were circumstances that allowed her to suspend it.

“I accept your intention in your mind wasn’t to harm the boy and you are a woman of impeccable character.

“You have worked in the community promoting the needs of less fortunate children. You are a professional person, a pharmacist, highly qualified and devoted to your family.”