Mother jailed for causing death of baby daughter in ‘squalid’ home, police say
A mother has been jailed for causing her baby daughter’s death while keeping her in “squalid” conditions, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Eleven-month-old Nafahat died of a chest infection after weeks of neglect at the hands of 25-year-old Fartun Jamal (pictured) at her flat in Kingfisher Way, Brent Park, London.
The mother made a series of web searches including “I can’t cope with my child anymore” and “I want to give up my child”, while living with the baby in early 2019, jurors were told during a trial at Harrow Crown Court.
She knew Nafahat was unwell with a “very high temperature” and poor appetite but failed to take her to a doctor, the court heard.
Visitors in the weeks leading up to the baby’s death recalled her cot was broken and the flat was overrun with takeaway boxes, dirty plates and nappies.
On February 22, social services attended the property after concerns were raised by a babysitter.
However, they warned Jamal ahead of their visit and, when they arrived, they found the flat was clean and the situation had improved.
A second social services visit, without warning, was planned for March 13 – the day Nafahat died.
When paramedics were called to the property by a neighbour at 12.24pm, Jamal told them she had found her daughter’s body after having a dream the baby had “stopped breathing”.
Jamal was charged with one count of causing Nafahat’s death by neglect, two counts of child cruelty in relation to Nafahat, and a third count of child cruelty in relation to another child.
A jury found her guilty on of all four counts on March 4 after deliberating for nearly nine hours.
The 25-year-old, who was released on bail ahead of sentencing, was jailed for five years and six months at Harrow Crown Court on Friday, Scotland Yard said in a statement.
Detective Chief Inspector Madeline Ryder, the senior investigating officer, said: “This is an absolutely tragic case that resulted in the needless death of an innocent baby.
“No child should ever have to suffer in this manner. Baby Nafahat was only 11 months old when she died in squalid conditions, surrounded by walls covered in faeces.
“She died of an illness that was very treatable if Jamal had bothered to seek medical attention.
“What is even more harrowing is that her GP’s surgery was less than 70 metres away from where she died and could be seen from Nafahat’s bedroom window, so help was within very easy reach.
“For the vast majority of parents, to care for, protect and nurture their children is their main priority.
“However, Jamal was out partying just days before Nafahat’s death and had clearly placed her social life above that of the basic needs of her baby.
“There is no sentence long enough to justify the taking of a baby’s life, however I am pleased with the outcome of today’s sentencing.”
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