Alfie, girlfriend Chantelle and baby Maisie
Teenager Alfie Patten has become a father - at the age of 13.
The boy, from Hailsham in Eastbourne, fathered a girl named Maisie with his 14 year old girlfriend, Chantelle Steadman.
The boy who is just 4ft tall, became a father on Monday night as Chantelle gave birth to Maisie after a five hour labour at Eastbourne Hospital in East Sussex. He told the Sun newspaper:-
“I thought it would be good to have a baby. I didn’t think about how we would afford it. I don’t really get pocket money. My dad sometimes gives me £10."
Alfie's dad Dennis, 45 who is separated from Alfie's mother said: “He loves computer games, boxing and Manchester United.” Dennis, who has fathered nine kids, told how he was “gobsmacked” when he discovered Alfie was to be a dad, too.
He said: “When I spoke to him he started crying. He said it was the first time he’d had sex, that he didn’t know what he was doing and of the complications that could come. It hasn’t really dawned on him. He hasn’t got a clue of what the baby means and can’t explain how he feels. All he knows is mum and dad will help."
Maisie was conceived after Chantelle and Alfie — just 12 at the time — had a single night of unprotected sex. They found out about the baby when Chantelle was 12 weeks pregnant and kept it a secret until six weeks later when Chantelle's mum Penny 38, became suspicious of her daughter's weight gain.
Chantelle lives with her Mum, dad and five brothers in a rented council house in Eastbourne, and Alfie who lives on an estate across town with his mum, spends most of his time at Chantelle's house.
Alfie Patten with his daughter, Maisie
Chantelle’s mum said: “I told her it was lovely to have the baby but I wish it was in different circumstances. We have five children already so it’s a big financial responsibility. But we are a family and will pull together and get through. She’s my daughter. I love her and she will want for nothing."
Chantelle admitted she and Alfie — who are both being supported by their parents — would be accused of being grossly irresponsible. She said: “We know we made a mistake but I wouldn’t change it now. We will be good loving parents.
Chantelle has started a church course and is doing work experience to help other young Mums. "I'll be a great mum and Alfire will be a great dad." She said.
Alfie bottle feeds his daughter
The Press Association have reported that police are not looking to prosecute anyone involved in this case.
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Chris Brown
